Atlanta, GA | Former NFL players coming to HBCUs to coach football has become the new trend.  While all the noise has been with the hires on the FCS level, there is an HBCU on the NCAA Division II level that also has a former NFL player leading the football program. Morehouse College's football program is under the leadership of Terance Mathis, a former NFL wide receiver whose illustrious career has transitioned seamlessly into coaching. Appointed as head coach in February 2024, Mathis brings a wealth of experience and a storied history to the Maroon Tigers.

A Storied NFL Career

Terance Mathis was drafted by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 1990 NFL Draft. He showcased his versatility early on, contributing as both a punt and kick returner. In his rookie season, he amassed 787 yards on 43 kickoff returns, including a touchdown, and added 245 receiving yards on 19 catches.

In 1994, Mathis signed with the Atlanta Falcons, where he truly made his mark. That season, he set a franchise record with 111 receptions, becoming the eighth player in NFL history to surpass the 100-catch mark in a single season. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors.

Over his 13-year NFL career, Mathis accumulated 689 receptions for 8,809 yards and 63 touchdowns. He ranks third in Falcons history for both receiving yards and touchdown receptions.  He played for the New York Jets (1990–1993), Atlanta Falcons (1994–2001), and Pittsburgh Steelers (2002).  In 1998, he was named the Atlanta Falcons "Man of the Year".

Halls of Fame

In 2009, Mathis was inducted in the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame.  While at the University of New Mexico, Mathis caught at least one pass in 43 of 44 games during his collegiate career and caught passes in 28 consecutive games. His best day as a college football player came on November 11, 1989 when he caught 16 passes for 252 yards and 3 touchdowns against the University of Utah.

Terance Mathis was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2023. Mathis finished his career as the NCAA's all-time leader in career receptions (263) and receiving yards (4,254). He left New Mexico as the first player in NCAA history with 200 receptions, 4,000 receiving yards and 6,000 all-purpose yards in a career.

• Set NCAA records for most games with a touchdown reception (26) and kickoff returns for a touchdown (3) 
• Led the Lobos in receiving and all-purpose yards in all four years of his career 
• Earned consensus All-American honors in 1989 
• Three-time First Team All-WAC selection (1986-87, 1989) 

In 2025, Mathis will be inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, a testament to his significant contributions to sports in the state. The induction ceremony is scheduled for February 22, 2025, in Macon, Georgia.

Former NFL Players Leading HBCU Football Programs

Mathis is among several former NFL players who have transitioned into head coaching roles at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Notable figures include:

• Deion Sanders: Served as head coach at Jackson State University before moving to the University of Colorado.
• Eddie George: Appointed head coach at Tennessee State University in 2021.
• Hue Jackson: Served as head coach at Grambling State University.
• Terry Sims: Former NFL player led Bethune-Cookman University from 2015 - 2022.
• Michael Vick: Named head coach at Norfolk State University in December 2024.
• DeSean Jackson: Finalizing a deal to become head coach at Delaware State University in December 2024.
• T.C. Taylor: Former NFL player who became head coach at Jackson State University in 2023.
• Raymond Woodie Jr.: Former NFL player who became head coach at Bethune–Cookman University in 2023.
• Alonzo Hampton: Former NFL player who became head coach at Arkansas–Pine Bluff in 2023.
• Sam Shade:  Former NFL player who became head coach at Miles College in 2022.  Shade is now the head coach at Alabama A&M.
• Terrell Buckley: Former NFL cornerback who became head coach at Mississippi Valley State University in 2025.

Mathis' Coaching Journey

Before his tenure at Morehouse, Mathis served as the offensive coordinator and inside wide receivers coach at Savannah State University from 2011 to 2012. He then transitioned to high school coaching, taking the helm at Pinecrest Academy in Cumming, Georgia, from 2017 to 2019. His leadership at Pinecrest was marked by a focus on player development and community engagement.

Summary of Mathis' First Season at Morehouse

In his first season at the helm of the Morehouse Maroon Tigers, Coach Terance Mathis faced the challenges of rebuilding a team while instilling a culture of discipline, hard work, and resilience. Though the team struggled to find consistency early in the season, Mathis was committed to improving both on and off the field. His leadership was evident in how the team responded to adversity, showing a growing sense of unity and determination.

Mathis introduced new offensive schemes and strategies, including an emphasis on player development, conditioning, and team cohesion. The Maroon Tigers showed promise throughout the season, with standout performances from key players. Under Mathis' guidance, the team made noticeable improvements in areas such as defense and discipline. Mathis further developed linebacker Caleb Grant, who has been selected to participate in the HBCU Legacy Bowl at linebacker.  At the end of the 2024 regular season, Grant ranked in the top five in NCAA Division II in tackles per game and in the top ten in sacks.

While Morehouse did not achieve a winning record in 2024, the season was seen as an important first step in Mathis' long-term vision for the program. His focus on building a strong foundation and creating a winning mindset for future seasons has already started to pay off, as the Maroon Tigers showed improvement in several areas, including their offensive play and overall team morale.  For inspiration, all Mathis has to do is look west down I-20, in the SIAC, where former NFL player and former Miles College head coach, Sam Shade, who also went 1-9 also in his first season, wound up winning an SIAC Championship in his third season, going undefeated, securing a home playoff game, and gaining a win in the Division II playoffs.

Looking Ahead

Mathis continues to work to bring the Maroon Tigers to a competitive level.  Within the HBCU community, Mathis is the only former NFL player that works under the leadership of a former NBA player, athletic director, Herald Ellis, who spent time in the NBA, with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Denver Nuggets. The two have been working, together, tirelessly to bring additional resources to Morehouse athletics.

Mathis is excited about his expected recruiting class, as transfers, junior college players, and high school players begin to make their final selections for the programs that they will play for during the next season.  As head coach of the Morehouse Maroon Tigers, Mathis is poised to leverage his extensive NFL experience and coaching background to elevate the program. His leadership is expected to inspire the team and the broader Morehouse community, fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the field.  Mathis' journey from a standout NFL player to a respected coach exemplifies the impactful role that former professional athletes can play in shaping the future of collegiate sports.  For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com.