The Southern University football program has entered a new era under the leadership of Terrence Graves, a seasoned veteran of the HBCU ranks.
With nearly 35 years of experience as both a player and coach, Graves is no stranger to the landscape of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). His extensive career includes stints at various HBCU institutions, and his commitment to the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) is unwavering.
Graves’ journey began in the mid-90s when he joined Southern University under the legendary head coach Pete Richardson. Graves played for Richardson at Winston-Salem State University, helping WSSU win back-to-back CIAA titles in 1990 and 1991. After cutting his teeth as an assistant at his alma mater for a season, he joined Richardson’s staff at Southern and helped turn into a multiple-time HBCU champion.
“The SWAC is really home for me. I’ve coached at four institutions, and it’s been a great experience,” Graves told HBCU Gameday at his first-ever SWAC Media Day. “I never thought I’d be in the conference this long, but I’m glad I am.”
Since then he has worked at Mississippi Valley State, Norfolk State and Grambling State before returning as an assistant under Eric Dooley in 2022. He was named interim head coach at Southern following Dooley’s firing late last season and was named the head coach following the season.
As he steps into his new role, Graves is not intimidated by the challenge of adding former head coaches to his inaugural staff. In fact, he sees it as a strategic advantage.
“Iron sharpens iron,” Graves said. “If you want to be great, surround yourself with great leaders and great people. I don’t coach looking over my shoulder. This is a blessing and an asset to have a coach of Fred McNair’s caliber, along with Willie Totten, who’s also been a head coach.”
McNair and Totten bring a wealth of experience and success to the program, having led teams in the SWAC to numerous victories. Graves’ respect for them is evident.
“Fred and I have known each other for a number of years. We have a great respect for one another. I’ve always admired how he ran his program and how he won. Bringing him on board was a no-brainer.”
Terrence Graves is committed to building a staff that embodies a winning mentality.
“Every coach on our staff has been a champion as a player or a coach,” he emphasized. “When you start building your staff with winners and guys who know what it’s like to win, it gives you an opportunity to be successful.”
The anticipation for the upcoming season is palpable, especially as Graves prepares to lead the Jaguars onto the field in Baton Rouge.
“I haven’t given it much thought, but I know I’m going to be excited and fired up because I’m competitive. I want to win,” he shared.
Southern University, known for its high expectations and storied legacy, is ready to embrace this new chapter under Terrence Graves’ leadership. His dedication to the HBCU community and his vision for the future of the Jaguars promise to bring renewed energy and success to the program.
“The SWAC is home,” Graves said, “and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to represent Southern University as the head football coach.”