Full Breakdown
Marshall Faulk Set to Become Head Coach at Southern University
11/27/2025, 6:03:21 AM
Southern University's Coaching Transition
Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is poised to announce the hiring of Marshall Faulk as its new head football coach. Faulk, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and former running backs coach at the University of Colorado, is expected to take over following the dismissal of Terrence Graves, who was fired after a disappointing 1-6 start to the season. The official announcement is scheduled for December 1, 2025.
Background on Marshall Faulk
Marshall Faulk, 52, is a notable figure in football, having enjoyed a successful NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams from 1994 to 2005. He was named NFL MVP in 2000 and earned three NFL Offensive Player of the Year awards, along with seven Pro Bowl selections. Faulk also had a distinguished college career at San Diego State, where he was a two-time All-American and later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
Faulk's transition to coaching began this past season at Colorado, where he worked under head coach Deion Sanders. His decision to enter college coaching was influenced by Sanders, as Faulk had previously been approached for coaching roles but had not pursued them until now.
The Hiring Process
Southern University officials traveled to Colorado to interview Faulk, who has strong ties to Louisiana as a New Orleans native. A prominent university donor has reportedly played a significant role in facilitating Faulk's return to his home state. The hiring aligns with a trend of former NFL players with limited coaching experience taking leadership roles at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), a movement that has gained momentum in recent years.
Criticism & Opposition
While the hiring of Faulk has generated excitement, it also raises questions about the effectiveness of hiring high-profile athletes with minimal coaching experience. Critics may point to the mixed results of similar hires at HBCUs, such as Eddie George at Tennessee State and Michael Vick at Norfolk State, where performance has varied significantly.
Official Statements & Responses
Sources close to the situation have confirmed that negotiations are in the final stages, although no formal contract has been signed yet. The university has not publicly commented on the specifics of Faulk's hiring but is expected to provide further details during the upcoming press conference.
What's Next
As Southern University prepares for the official announcement of Marshall Faulk as head coach, the team is set to play its final game of the season against Grambling State in the Bayou Classic. The outcome of this game may influence the immediate future of the program as it transitions into a new era under Faulk's leadership.
