South Carolina State Hires K.J. Black as Offensive Coordinator & Quarterbacks Coach

South Carolina State University has hired Kenneth “K.J.” Black as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Black brings a rare combination of NFL experience and proven HBCU credentials to a Bulldogs program coming off its 2025 HBCU national championship, defeating Prairie View A&M in a 40-38 4OT thriller.  

The hire underscores Berry’s success in attracting coaches with Power Four and NFL backgrounds to the HBCU level, thereby strengthening the program’s competitiveness. With expertise in quarterback development at PVAMU, FAMU, and the NFL, Black is well-positioned to mentor SC State’s returning playmakers as the Bulldogs prepare to defend their MEAC title and Celebration Bowl crown in 2026.

Black joins South Carolina State after four years in the NFL, most recently as an offensive assistant with the Atlanta Falcons (2024-25) and previously with the Los Angeles Rams (2022-23).

With the Falcons, Black worked with wide receiver Drake London, who posted career-best numbers in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. At the Rams, Black contributed to quarterback Matthew Stafford’s Pro Bowl season.

Before the NFL, Black was co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Florida A&M (2019, 2021), helping the Rattlers win 18 games in those two seasons under Willie Simmons.

In Black’s first year at FAMU, quarterback Ryan Stanley improved significantly, earning MEAC Offensive Player of the Year as the Rattlers’ passing offense excelled.

Prior to FAMU, Black spent eight years at Prairie View A&M: first as graduate assistant (2011–14), then as passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach (2015–17), and tight ends coach (2018).

As a player, Black quarterbacked Prairie View A&M to the 2009 SWAC Championship, earning conference and national accolades.

Black’s hire replaces Johnathan Williams, whose offense ranked first in the MEAC during the Bulldogs’ 2025 championship season.

Looking ahead, South Carolina State opens the 2026 season against Coach Berry’s alma mater, Savannah State, on Aug. 29 at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium in Orangeburg, S.C. The following week, the Bulldogs will travel to South Florida to battle Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic on Sunday, Sept. 6.

In 2025, the Bulldogs completed a perfect 10-0 run in MEAC play and finished the season ranked No. 21 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 poll, marking their national recognition and conference excellence.