Black Athletes in the Spotlight: HBCU Sports & Local Highlights
- Terrence Graves promoted Fred McNair to offensive coordinator to revamp Southern's offense after a turnover-plagued start.
- Fred McNair brings veteran pedigree: former Alcorn State head coach with two SWAC championships and multiple division titles.
- Terrence Graves will refocus on special teams and the kicking game to change momentum and ensure correct personnel on the field.
Coming days after Southern’s 30–7 home loss to Alabama State on Saturday, head football coach Terrence Graves announced Tuesday that quarterbacks coach Fred McNair will serve as the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator for the rest of the season.
Graves framed the move as part of a broader reset following a turnover-plagued start to the season.
“We’re disappointed. We really prepared, worked hard, felt like we would win that football game. We had four turnovers,” Graves said of Saturday’s loss. “We’ve got to stop shooting ourselves in the foot. Seven turnovers in 3 games make it tough to win a ball game.”
On the offensive change, Graves pointed to McNair’s pedigree.
“We’re making some changes on offense,” he said. “The reason why we’re doing it is simply because he’s a veteran coach, a championship coach, he’s been an OC, and he can add his wisdom and expertise to what we’re doing to help us out. Everybody’s on board. Those are changes we feel we have to make in order to give ourselves a chance.”
Graves added he’ll personally lean back into the third phase.
“I’m basically getting back involved with the kicking game and special teams to shore up some things—changing momentum and taking away momentum—and make sure we’ve got the right personnel on the field.”
McNair, who joined Southern’s staff last season, is best known for his eight-year tenure as head coach at Alcorn State, where he guided the Braves to two SWAC championships and four division titles from 2016 to 2023.
The timing of the move comes with Southern (1–2) preparing for its contest on the road against FBS opponent Fresno State on Saturday.
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