Reggie Barlow, most recently head coach of the United Football League’s D.C. Defenders, resigned late Saturday to accept the Tigers’ football job, according to a report from PFNewsroom. Barlow replaces George, who left on March 8 to accept the same position at FBS member Bowling Green.

Football Scoop previously reported Barlow was considered a top candidate for the job.

Barlow, a former NFL wide receiver who played college ball at Alabama State, has extensive HBCU experience. He coached his alma mater for eight seasons, collecting 49 wins against 42 losses and a share of three SWAC East titles.

He moved on to Virginia State in 2016, where he won the CIAA title in 2017. Barlow led the Defenders to the then-XFL title game in 2023 with a 9-1 record. The Defenders went 4-6 in the reborn UFL in 2024.

Barlow’s hire ends a search that included an unfounded rumor that Jeff Fisher was selected as his former player’s successor. Fisher, who served as a consultant with the program in 2021, denied that rumor in a statement Friday morning, saying he was committed to his role as Arena Football’s new comissioner.

Barlow takes over a Tennessee State program that won a share of the Big South-OVC title in 2024 and made the school’s first FCS playoff appearance since 2013.