On Monday, historically black college Alcorn State, hired Jay Hopson as their new head football coach. The news of the hiring is significant, because Hopson’s hiring makes Alcorn State the first Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) school to name a non-black head football coach, according to their site.
“The future for Alcorn football is bright and I am excited that Coach Hopson will lead us forward,” said Alcorn State President M. Christopher Brown II. “Today’s historical appointment will require us to walk hand in hand to disrupt naysayers wedded to a racist past.”
Hopson says he is willing to do what it takes to bring Alcorn State back to prominence after recent unsuccessful losing years. He replaces the previous coach, Melvin Spears, who was fired from the school in February after compiling a 2-8 record in his only season at the helm.
A native of Vickburg, Mississippi, Hopson was a four year letter winner as a defensive back at the University of Mississippi from 1988-91. He brings experience from a host of schools that include Marshall, Michigan and Memphis. “I believe in Dr. Brown’s vision for this university,” Hopson said. “I don’t see black or white, we’re all purple and gold.”
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