Reggie Barlow Named Virginia State Head Coach

Former Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow is back in the college ranks after reportedly being hired as head coach at Virginia State.

Barlow will replace interim coach Justin Harper, who was named to the position after then head coach Byron Thweatt resigned to accept a position at James Madison.

“I’m excited about being back in college,” Barlow told the Montgomery Advertiser. “Just being around football and having the opportunity to mentor these young guys and just do what I’m really passionate about. I still would’ve enjoyed it if I was on the high-school level, as long as I’m coaching, but just being in college is a different deal. You get to pick your athletes, you get to watch them grow from a skill set standpoint, you get to recruit and you get to interact with other college coaches. That’s a little more comfortable to me. I’m looking forward to the opportunity.

Barlow has not coached since he was fired by Alabama State following a tumultuous 7-5 2014 season where he was asked by the school to resign.

Barlow, in eight seasons, won the SWAC East in 2010 and compiled a 49-42 record.

In 2015, Barlow filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Alabama State before a Montgomery County Circuit Court judge dismissed it January.

“Alabama State University is very pleased at the court’s decision today that finds in favor of the University by dismissing the lawsuit filed against it by Reggie Barlow. The University was vindicated and absolved as the court concluded that all standard operating procedures were followed appropriately by the University.”

Barlow will be formally introduced as Virginia State coach on Thursday.