Morehouse College has hired a former Atlanta Falcon to take over its football program. Terance Mathis, who spent more than a decade in the NFL, has been named as the next head coach of the Atlanta-based HBCU.
Mathis previously spent two seasons as offensive coordinator at Savannah State in 2011 and 2012.
“We are in a season of change and enhancement within Morehouse Athletics,” said Morehouse AD Harold Ellis, who joined his alma mater last August. “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.”
Drafted in 1990 by the New York Jets, Mathis played the majority of his career with the Atlanta Falcons. He last played in the NFL in 2002 with the Pittsburgh Steelers and then retired in 2004.
Terance Mathis played for the New York Jets from 1990-94. During his career there, he was used as a punt and kick returner and wide receiver. In 1991, he led the team in kickoff returns with 599 yards. He also had 28 receptions for 329 yards.
He began his stellar career with the Atlanta Falcons in 1994. He caught 111 passes and was ranked third in the NFL in touchdown receptions in his first season in Atlanta. Mathis was selected to the Pro Bowl that season. In 1998, he made his first post-season appearance playing in Super Bowl XXXIII for the Atlanta Falcons. In the Super Bowl, he led the Falcons in receptions with seven for 85 yards along with a three-yard touchdown catch. While with the Falcons, Mathis became the team’s all-time touchdowns and receptions leader. He had a one-year stint with the Pittsburg Steelers before retiring in 2004.
Mathis replaces Gerard Wilcher, who was fired after one season at the helm in 2023. Morehouse College is coming off back-to-back 1-9 seasons.