Marshall Faulk is not pretending the jump to head coach has been easy.
The Southern University leader said he is still getting used to the demands of the job as he begins his first season guiding the Jaguars, describing the role as one that brings a new problem every day.
“I’m not comfortable with being a head coach yet,” Faulk said in video captured by The Advocate Southern beat writer Toyloy Brown III.
during Southern’s recent practice. “It’s just all honesty. I don’t know if there’s comfort in being a head coach. Every day when I lay down there is a problem — when I wake up there’s a problem.”
That honesty is part of what has made Faulk’s early months in Baton Rouge compelling. The Pro Football Hall of Famer entered the job with a big name and plenty of expectations, but he said the real comfort comes from the people around him, especially Southern athletic director Roman Banks, the board and the university administration.
“I should say the comfort is in my athletic director. It’s in my board. In my chancellor — my president,” Faulk said. “Them helping me to resolve whatever those problems are so that we can put the best product on the field.”
Faulk was introduced as Southern’s head coach in December, taking over one of the most recognizable programs in HBCU football. He said during SWAC Football Media Day that the Louisiana job made sense because of the impact he hoped to have on players and the connection to the state where his own football journey took shape.
“Impact is everything,” Faulk said. “When you decide to become a head coach, you’re going to impact kids’ lives. When I think about how I was impacted and what happened for me, it happened in the state of Louisiana.”
He also said the hire came together naturally when Banks reached out again about the opening. For Faulk, the opportunity felt like the right fit at the right time.
“It just so happened that Southern needed a head coach,” Faulk said. “I believe it was just serendipitous that I was available.”
Southern’s first-year head coach may still be finding his footing, but his comments show he is approaching the job with openness, humility and a strong support system. That combination could matter as he tries to turn the Jaguars into a contender
