Reggie Barlow has been here before.
Tennessee State University officially introduced Barlow as its 23rd head football coach on Monday during a press conference at Nissan Stadium.
The announcement comes just a day after Barlow resigned as head coach of the UFL’s D.C. Defenders.
Barlow, 53, brings an impressive resume to TSU, including a successful stint in professional football and a proven track record in developing HBCU programs.
His appointment marks a new chapter for the Tigers, who are coming off a landmark 2024 season that saw them reach the FCS playoffs for the first time since 2013 and claim a share of the OVC-Big South Championship.
A new era for Tennessee State football
During the press conference, Barlow expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “The chance to be at Tennessee State University, with its rich history, tradition, and legacy of amazing players and coaches – it’s truly an honor to follow in their footsteps.”
Barlow’s appointment follows his successful tenure with the D.C. Defenders, where he led the team to a league-best 9-1 record and a championship game appearance in 2023, earning him the XFL Coach of the Year honors.
His experience also includes successful stints at Alabama State University and Virginia State University, where he demonstrated his ability to build winning programs and develop talent.
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What’s next for the Tigers in transition
Dr. Mikki Allen, TSU’s Director of Athletics, praised Barlow’s appointment, saying, “Reggie Barlow’s appointment as the head football coach of TSU is a testament to his dedication to the game of football and his deep-rooted passion for developing young athletes.”
Barlow surprisingly accepted the job despite reports of financial strife impacting the university. That reality influenced George to consider Bowling Green.
But the longtime HBCU coach said he saw “stability” at Tennessee State and was only concerned about the football aspect of the operation.
“For me, I saw stability and the opportunity to be at a great school,” Barlow said. “The money aspect, I just wanted to know what’s going to be the salaries of the coaches and what’s going to be the budget for our program. Anything outside of that wasn’t really a deal for me.”
The Tigers are looking to build on their recent success, having claimed their first conference title since 1999. Barlow inherits a program on the rise and faces high expectations as he takes the helm.
The Tigers will kick off their 2025 season on Aug. 30 in the John Merritt Classic against North Carolina A&T, marking the beginning of the Barlow era.
