Former NFL stars transitioning into college coaching roles is becoming increasingly popular, with Deion Sanders leading the charge and inspiring figures like Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson to follow suit. Now, another prominent name from the NFL, particularly celebrated in Baltimore Ravens lore, might join their ranks.
Legendary Ravens safety Ed Reed is reportedly a finalist for the Alabama A&M Bulldogs’ head coaching position, according to John Brice of Football Scoop. Alabama A&M, a historically Black college and university (HBCU), competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), a league renowned for fostering both athletic talent and cultural significance.
Reed, 46, has ventured into coaching several times since retiring from his illustrious NFL career nearly a decade ago. His coaching résumé includes serving as the Buffalo Bills’ assistant defensive backs coach in 2016. Later, he returned to his alma mater, the University of Miami, holding positions as chief of staff from 2020 to 2021 and then senior football advisor in 2022.
In late 2022, Reed was named head coach of the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, another HBCU. However, that chapter ended abruptly when the school declined to finalize his contract, following public comments Reed made about the athletic facilities’ poor condition. This departure underscored Reed’s passion for improving programs but also hinted at the challenges such transitions can bring.
The Alabama A&M Bulldogs, who finished this season with a 6-6 record, recently parted ways with head coach Connell Maynor, who posted a respectable 40-32 record over seven seasons. This year, however, was marked by tragedy, as linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr. tragically passed away at 20 due to a head injury sustained in a game.
Reed faces competition for the role from Fred McNair, a former Alcorn State player and coach, and brother of the late Ravens quarterback Steve McNair. Should Reed secure the position, it would provide him a platform to further his legacy, not just as one of the NFL’s greatest safeties but also as a leader shaping the future of college football.
