Southern University announced Marshall Faulk as its next head coach moments after stunning Grambling State 28-27 in the Bayou Classic rivalry game
Southern University wasted no time celebrating its dramatic Bayou Classic victory before announcing the news everyone had been anticipating. Moments after the Jaguars stunned Grambling State 28-27, the HBCU confirmed that NFL Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk would officially become Southern’s next head coach on Dec. 1.
Rivalry win sets perfect stage for announcement
The timing transformed an already emotional weekend into something Southern fans will remember for years. For the first time all season, the Jaguars looked like a team ready to embrace a new identity and direction under fresh leadership.
Southern fought back from a 17-7 halftime deficit, dominated with a 204-yard rushing attack and shut down Grambling late to complete their strongest performance of the year. The victory gave fans an immediate preview of the energy and competitiveness the program hopes to reclaim once Faulk takes control.
The HBCU powerhouse desperately needed momentum after a disappointing season. The Bayou Classic triumph delivered exactly that at the perfect moment to introduce the most talked-about coaching hire in HBCU football this cycle.
Jaguars rally behind dominant ground game
Southern played with renewed purpose from the opening kickoff. The Jaguars leaned on their best rushing performance of the season, gaining 204 yards at 5 yards per carry while seizing control in the game’s critical moments.
Running back Barry Remo sparked the comeback with an explosive 51-yard touchdown run and finished with 100 yards on just seven carries. His big-play ability gave Southern the spark needed to erase the first-half deficit. Trey Holly provided the power element with 61 yards and two touchdowns on 18 attempts, giving the Jaguars the balanced attack they had been missing for most of the season.
Grambling pushed back early behind Andre Crews’ 18-carry performance and timely gains from Tony Phillips Jr. Quarterback Hayden Benoit threw for 221 yards and two touchdowns, including a 70-yard strike to Andrew Frazier that helped build momentum. Those plays helped Grambling establish a 17-7 halftime lead and carry a 24-14 advantage into the fourth quarter.
Defense delivers when it matters most
Southern’s defensive front tightened considerably after halftime, holding Grambling to just three points in the final period. The Jaguars’ offense controlled the clock, stretched drives and turned physical running plays into lengthy possessions that wore down the Grambling defense.
By game’s end, Southern had accumulated 352 total yards and established a decisive advantage in efficiency, gaining 5.8 yards per play compared to Grambling’s 4.2. The statistical dominance reflected how thoroughly Southern controlled the second half after struggling early.
When the final snap ended, the Human Jukebox provided the celebratory soundtrack while players embraced on the field. Southern walked away with a rivalry victory and the momentum the program had been desperately seeking throughout a difficult season.
Years of searching finally end
Southern’s coaching change didn’t happen overnight. The decision formed through years of missed opportunities, leadership transitions and a growing recognition that the program needed a complete reset.
Faulk first appeared on Southern’s radar in 2021 after Dawson Odoms departed the program. Initial conversations stalled because the timing never aligned properly. Southern moved forward with other options, but the long-term direction remained unsettled.
The Jaguars reached the SWAC Championship game in 2024, creating hope that the program had finally turned the corner. That optimism evaporated quickly when Southern stumbled to a 1-6 start in 2025, leading to head coach Terrence Graves’ dismissal. Interim coach Fred McNair brought stability and competitiveness, but everyone recognized the Jaguars needed a transformative hire to restore their identity.
The search reignited interest in Faulk. On Nov. 26, reports indicated Southern officials traveled to Boulder for a face-to-face meeting with the Hall of Famer. A prominent donor helped accelerate the process, and the agreement was reportedly finalized shortly afterward.
New Orleans native returns home
Faulk represents more than just another coaching hire for Southern. The New Orleans native returns home as an NFL Hall of Famer, former league MVP and Super Bowl champion with instant credibility on the recruiting trail.
His Louisiana roots give Southern immediate advantages in recruiting battles across the state. His recent season at Colorado working under Deion Sanders provided valuable coaching experience and exposure to the modern blueprint for high-profile HBCU hires.
Faulk joins a growing list of former NFL stars stepping into HBCU leadership roles. Sanders ignited the trend by transforming Jackson State before moving to Colorado. Eddie George took Tennessee State back to the FCS playoffs. DeSean Jackson changed Delaware State’s trajectory in his first season. Michael Vick began a similar journey at Norfolk State. Faulk now enters the SWAC spotlight carrying expectations that match his impressive resume.
Strategic timing sends clear message
Southern’s decision to announce the hire immediately after the rivalry victory was deliberate. The win demonstrated that the current roster still believes in its potential despite the disappointing season. It showed the fan base remains engaged and passionate about the program’s future.
The announcement told alumni and supporters that the rebuilding process is moving forward with purpose. It informed recruits that Southern is making bold moves to compete at the highest level. And it signaled to conference rivals that the Jaguars plan to climb back into championship contention immediately rather than waiting years for a gradual rebuild.
High expectations await new era
Southern closes the 2025 season with momentum, national visibility and the most discussed coaching hire of the cycle. Faulk inherits a program with rich history, demanding expectations and national attention that few HBCU positions can match.
A.W. Mumford Stadium, the Human Jukebox and the Bayou Classic create a platform that requires a leader with presence, vision and credibility. Faulk possesses all three qualities along with the name recognition to elevate Southern’s profile immediately.
The mission ahead is straightforward. Southern wants to win championships. The program wants to restore its identity as an HBCU powerhouse. And the Jaguars want to reclaim their position among the leaders of the HBCU football landscape.
If the Bayou Classic performance was any indication, the climb back toward prominence may already be underway before Faulk even officially takes charge.
