What's Going On In and Around Black College Sports
JSU TABS BELL:
James Bell, who has worked as an assistant at seven different college
programs, was named last week as the new head football coach at Jackson
State. Bell, 44, head football coach and athletic director at Houston's
new Cesar Chavez High School this year, had been defensive coordinator at
Indiana, Wake Forest and North Texas in his last three positions, the latter
where he served with current TSU Athletics Director, Roy Culberson.
That association seems to be the key in naming Bell, who was apparently
selected over former Fort Valley State head coach Kent Schoolfield
and JSU grad and current Alcorn State offensive coordinator,
John McKenzie. McKenzie and Schoolfield were the first two choices
of the selection committee. One person firmly in Bell's corner is former
Wake Forest head coach Jim Caldwell. "(JSU) made a quality hire,"
Caldwell said to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger. Caldwell, who is now
the quarterbacks coach for the Indianapolis Colts added, "They got
an outstanding coach and a terrific person. He will be a tremendous asset
to that program, that university and to that community. He certainly has
the credentials. The biggest thing about James is his extensive knowledge
in all phases of the game offense, defense and the kicking game. He has
a real fine understanding of all the nuances of the sport. And he's a great
recruiter." Bell is taking over from Robert Hughes, who guided
the Tigers to a 30-15 record in four seasons at the helm including a 7-4
marks in each of the last three years.
RICHARDSON
SUSPENDED: Tennessee State men's basketball coach Nolan Richardson,
III, has been placed on indefinite suspension by Athletics Director
Teresa Phillips due to an undisclosed violation of university policy.
Richardson did not travel with the Tigers to Saturday's game with Ohio
State, a 94-73 loss. TSU assistant Hosea Lewis guided the Tigers.
It is unclear whether the suspension is related to an ongoing NCAA investigation
into alleged rules infractions by Richardson and his staff. In two-plus
seasons, Richardson has posted a 23-41 record including a 2-5 record this
season.
HANGER OFFICIAL: Sam Hanger's Christmas present came in the form of an announcement made by Fayetteville State University Director of Athletics William Carver, Jr. At a press conference on Friday, December 27, Hanger, the interim head men's basketball coach was named head coach of the basketball program effectively immediately. At the press conference, Carver stated there were many factors that went into the decision to hire Hanger on a full-time basis. He stated integrity, loyalty, and the ability to recruit student-athletes who will excel both on the basketball court as well in the classroom were factors in making the decision. "The Chancellor (Dr. Willis B. McLeod) and I have met several times to discuss the future of the basketball program at Fayetteville State," said Carver. "We feel very strongly that we already have a young man on the staff who can carry the program to the desired level where we want it to go." Hanger's previous coaching experience was as head coach at Winston-Salem State and at Guilford College. He is the Associate Athletic Director at FSU which was one of the reasons he was the top choice for the head coaching position. Hanger admitted he felt a mixture of excitement and relief upon learning of his promotion. He said the Chancellor called him Monday and left the message on his voice mail. Carver made it official at the press conference. Hanger stated the announcement made it one less burden that he and his players would have as they face the challenge of the 2002 - 2003 season. Hanger has the Broncos off to a 3-5 start. Hanger was named interim coach after former head coach Mike Bernard was released after it was found that he had misleading information on his resume. Bernard is now head coach at Shaw University.
© 2002 Azeez Communications, Inc.