JACKSON, Miss.–After another loss this season Saturday against Grambling, Jackson State let go of head football coach Harold Jackson, after just 17 games with the school. The Tigers will be led in the interim by former quarterback and current offensive coordinator Derrick McCall, said the school.
JSU had lost four games out of five, so far this season.
“This was a difficult decision for me to make knowing how hard Harold Jackson worked here to make this a winning program. He is a man of high character and integrity. Although it has been disappointing how we have started this season, I am confident that we can improve with the talent we have on our roster,” said Athletic Dir. Wheeler Brown.
“Jackson State is a tradition-rich school and our athletics have always been an important aspect of university life. We want to continue that spirit of improvement. In making this decision I considered both the recommendation of our interim director of athletics and responses from alumni and students. We have worked well with and fully supported Coach Jackson. We honor and love him and wish him success in his future endeavors. Coach McCall has already proven his commitment to Jackson State as demonstrated by his work with our players,” said JSU Pres. Dr. Carolyn Meyers in a statement.
The loss Saturday to Grambling was by more than 50 points, 59-27. But the interim coach says he believes the team can be turned around to some degree.
“I am confident that we can field a very competitive team for the rest of this season,” said McCall.
