9 candidates who should replace Terrence Graves as Southern head football coach

Southern football is once again facing a pivotal moment.

After firing Terrence Graves midway through the 2025 season, the search begins for a head coach who can reestablish the Jaguars as a SWAC powerhouse.

Athletic Director Roman Banks must choose a leader capable of restoring consistency, uniting the fan base, and competing toe-to-toe with the top programs in the SWAC and FCS.

Here are nine names that could surface in Southern’s search:

1. Chennis Berry (South Carolina State Head Coach)
Berry captured national attention by turning Benedict College into a D-II juggernaut before joining South Carolina State. In just one season as Bulldogs coach, Berry led the program to an MEAC title and a trip to the Celebration Bowl. Berry was previously Southern’s offensive coordinator for seven seasons (2013-19), and in that span, the Jaguars won a Southwestern Athletic Conference championship and three West Division titles.

2. Trei Oliver (Head Coach, North Carolina Central)
Oliver has transformed North Carolina Central into a MEAC powerhouse, winning a Celebration Bowl and consistently fielding one of the top defenses in the FCS. His proven program-building ability and recruiting success make him a home-run candidate if Southern, where he was a former Southern assistant, could lure him south.

3. Quinn Gray (Head Coach, Albany State)
Gray’s steady growth at Albany State, and his offensive pedigree as a former FAMU quarterback make him a candidate to watch. His recruiting ability and player relationships could translate smoothly to the FCS level.

4. Fred McNair (Former Head Coach, Alcorn State)
The current interim coach is one of the most respected coaches available. His ability to lead Alcorn State to the SWAC East championships and a SWAC title proved his coaching chops. However, since being named offensive coordinator at Southern, the Jaguars have struggled mightily.

5. Broderick Fobbs (Former HC, Grambling State)
Fobbs knows the SWAC championship stage well. His leadership-oriented approach and understanding of SWAC football dynamics could earn him another opportunity. He spent eight seasons at Grambling State, in which he won three SWAC West championships, two conference titles, and the Celebration Bowl.

6. Maurice Flowers (Head Coach, Johnson C. Smith)

Flowers has turned Johnson C. Smith into one of the top programs in the CIAA and Division II football. His ability to rebuild should be a valuable asset for Southern.

7. Dr. Alvin Parker (Head Coach, Virginia Union)
Parker has quietly developed Virginia Union into a Division II force, combining discipline with an explosive offense. His ability to maximize limited resources mirrors what’s required to thrive at Southern.

8. Torenzo Quinn (Jackson State defensive coordinator)

Quinn, 38, has been instrumental in Jackson State’s top-flight defenses since joining the staff in 2023. Last year, the Tigers were second in scoring defense and yards allowed. The Tigers’ defense is second in both categories again so far this season. Quinn has been an assistant coach at Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Alcorn.

9. Chris Barnette (Offensive Coordinator, Alabama State)

Barnette has revitalized Alabama State’s offense in 2025. The Hornets currently average a SWAC-leading 39.5 points per game. Known for his innovation and adaptability, he served as an offensive assistant at South Carolina State and Winston-Salem State before becoming offensive coordinator at North Carolina A&T. During his tenure, the Aggies’ offense was the catalyst in the program winning the MEAC, Celebration Bowl, and HBCU national championships.