After winning six of its final seven games, all in SWAC play, Alcorn State is making some significant staff changes on the heels of the program's best season since 2019.
Sources tell FootballScoop that veteran head coach Fred McNair, who's on an expiring deal and also expected to be in contract discussions with the school, has parted ways with offensive coordinator Elliott Wratten and special teams coordinator Lane Powell.
Initially elevated to offensive coordinator in April 2019, Wratten this past season shared offensive coordinator duties with Jason Phillips, the Braves' long-time wide receivers coach who was elevated to help coordinate the offense and coach Alcorn's quarterbacks.
Aaron Allen, the Braves' primary quarterback, unleashed a spectacular season and he especially helped fuel Alcorn's dominant, six-wins-in-seven-games close to the season. Allen finished with more than 2,200 passing yards and 15 touchdowns through the air while completing 63% of his passes; he also added two rushing scores.
Powell, who coached the tight ends and coordinated special teams, was in his second tenure at Alcorn, having served the Braves prior to McNair becoming head coach.
Under McNair, the Braves have become an annual HBCU force and again tied for the SWAC Eastern Division crown in 2023 but will not play in the league's title game because Prairie View A&M holds the head-to-head edge with its 23-20 early-season win against Alcorn.