February 7, 2024

Morehouse Brings On Terance Mathis As Head Football Coach

His hiring comes a year after being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame

Barely a year after being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, former NFL player Terance Mathis was recently hired as coach of HBCU Morehouse College.

Morehouse College announced that Mathis will be the new head coach of the school’s football team. The Maroon Tigers’ record for the 2023 season was 1-9. They had a winless season until their last game, when they defeated the winless Clark Atlanta Panthers. The hiring of Mathis comes a year after Morehouse brought Gerard Wilcher on as head coach. He was terminated after the Maroon Tigers’ final football game of the season.

@Morehouse announces the appointment of Terance Mathis as the new head coach of the Maroon Tigers football team. A former NFL star and accomplished coach, Mathis brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the game that will undoubtedly inspire the team to new heights. pic.twitter.com/TwISNE4zKC

— Morehouse College (@Morehouse) February 2, 2024

In a written statement, Morehouse College president, Dr. David A. Thomas said, “It is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to our new head football coach, former NFL pro and college football Hall of Famer, Terance Mathis, a leader who embodies the spirit of teamwork, dedication, and excellence. I look forward to watching Coach Mathis take our program to new heights and establishing a winning football culture within Morehouse College athletics.”  

Mathis became a coach after playing in the NFL for over ten years with the New York Jets (1990-1993), the Atlanta Falcons (1994-2001), and the Pittsburgh Steelers (2002). He was the Offensive Coordinator for Savannah State University and was the head coach at Pinecrest Academy from 2017 to 2019. This is his first head coaching position on the collegiate level.

“We are in a season of change and enhancement within Morehouse Athletics,” said athletic director Harold Ellis. “The College is known for producing some of the most skilled and gifted professionals across all industries, and that same spirit of excellence must be established within our athletic programs. I’m excited to welcome Coach Mathis to The House and look forward to partnering with him in taking the football program to the next level.”  

The newly hired head coach had his best playing years when he played for the Falcons. A Pro Bowl selection in 1994, he played in Super Bowl XXXIII where he led the team with seven receptions for 85 yards and caught a three-yard touchdown. Mathis became the team’s all-time touchdowns and receptions leader, according to Savannah State Athletics.