Lee Hull led Morgan State to a MEAC championship and FCS postseason berth in his first season.
Heading into the 2015 season, four first-year head coaches will attempt to mimic the success of Hull and lead their school to a championship aspirations. It won’t be easy as some take over programs mired in a culture of losing, while others step into ready-made contenders.
4. Delaware State – Kenny Carter
Carter steps into a Hornets program that has only had five winning seasons since 1996. Delaware State won just two games last season. Although Carter has an FBS pedigree, he inherits a situation that has proceed with caution written all over it.
3. Florida A&M – Alex Wood
Wood was hired in December after a lengthy search process that saw FAMU change athletic directors in the middle of it all. His mettle will surely be tested this season, as he attempts to turnaround a program that has posted a 17-29 record over the last four years.
2. Bethune-Cookman – Terry Sims
Sims is intimate with the Wildcat program after being part of Brian Jenkins’ staff for five years as an assistant before he bolted to Alabama State.
He has a rapport with many of the players, staff members, community and university. We don’t know how the Wildcats will be impacted by the loss of Jenkins long-term. There is enough depth on the roster to put Sims into a position to win almost immediately.
1. Norfolk State – Latrell Scott
Scott has been one of the best head coaches in HBCU football for years. He’s won everywhere he’s been.
Hist first order of duty will be to improve an NSU offense that averaged a meager 11.7 points per game in 2014. But the experience and resume of building programs Scott brings in tow with him to Norfolk State will be assets for team that, with the right head coach, could quickly become a tough out in the conference.
