Marshall Faulk Named Head Coach of Southern University Football Team

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Marshall Faulk, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, will be the new head coach of Southern University. A source confirmed to 9Sports that “the deal is done.” Faulk is set to depart from his role as running backs coach at Colorado for his first head coaching position.

The official announcement will be made on Monday, December 1. University officials traveled to Boulder to interview the New Orleans native just over a week ago, and a well-known donor has reportedly been influential in bringing him back to his home state.

Southern has one game left in its regular season, facing Grambling State in the Bayou Classic on Saturday at 1 p.m. The search for a new coach began after the Jaguars had a shaky start to the season, recording a 1-6 under former coach Terrence Graves, who was let go earlier this month.

Faulk, hailing from New Orleans, is recognized as one of the best running backs in NFL history, having gained fame during his time with the Indianapolis Colts and the St. Louis Rams. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist and won a Super Bowl. This experience ties him closely to Louisiana, as he made significant contributions to the state’s football landscape.

Reactions among Jaguar fans have varied. Some supporters express excitement about Faulk’s legendary status and potential to enhance the program, while others remain skeptical of his limited coaching experience. However, those in favor argue that Faulk’s presence could restore Southern’s reputation and attract talent.

Fans believe Faulk can modernize the playbook and enhance recruiting, particularly within Louisiana. Many hope his credibility will bring in resources and attention to Southern University.

Critics, however, point to the risks of hiring someone without prior head coaching experience at any level. Southern’s last two coaches struggled to achieve stability, leaving some to advocate for a more experienced choice.

The coming days will be crucial as Southern University prepares for its final game and a significant decision regarding its future leadership.