Tennessee State on Sunday announced the hiring of Reggie Barlow as its new head coach, replacing new Bowling Green Falcon Eddie George.
FootballScoop first reported on Barlow being the top target on Thursday.
"Unbelievable! 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 said. "I'm humbled, blessed, and beyond excited. A huge thank you to director of athletics Dr. Mikki Allen, President (Dwayne) Tucker, and the student-athletes who have remained committed through uncertainty. And to Big Blue, I'm ready to get started."
Barlow comes to Tennessee State from the UFL's DC Defenders, and is expected to bring much of his staff with him from DC to Nashville. Related: the Defenders open their season a week from today, against the Birmingham Stallions. Quarterbacks coach Shannon Harris will be the club's interim head coach for the 2025 season.
“The UFL would like to thank Reggie Barlow for his tremendous contributions to the UFL since becoming head coach of the DC Defenders back in 2023,” said UFL president and CEO Russ Brandon. “We wish Reggie the best of luck in his new duties as head coach at Tennessee State and know that the Defenders are in great hands with Shannon Harris at the helm. On a personal level, it has been a privilege to work with Reggie over the past three years. He is obviously a tremendous coach, but he’s an even better person."
Barlow, 53, played at Alabama State, and then for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Bucs from 1996-03. He entered coaching as his alma mater's quarterbacks coach in 2005 and became head coach two years later, going 49-42 with three division championships from 2007-14. Barlow then went 34-16 as Virginia State's head coach from 2016-21, with a CIAA championship and a Division II playoff appearance in 2017.
In addition to winning a Super Bowl as a player, Barlow has won two Black College National Championships and was named the XFL Coach of the Year in 2023.
Tennessee State will introduce Barlow in a press conference at Nissan Stadium on Monday.
"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. With a rich legacy as a player and coach, Barlow is poised to lead the TSU football program to new heights, building a culture of excellence and success that will benefit both the players and the university for years to come," said Allen.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.
