Hampton U. fires football coach after one season

Former head coach Jerry Holmes finishes Hampton career with 6-5 record. Holmes replaced Joe Taylor, who left for Florida A&M after building the Hampton program into a MEAC powerhouse.

Athletic director Lonza Hardy fired Jerry Holmes as the Pirates’ head football coach after only one season, and Holmes’ interest in the NFL was a primary cause. In a statement released by the school Tuesday, Hardy indicated he and Holmes had differences on the direction of the program, and he questioned Holmes’ commitment to the team.

He also announced the longtime assistant Donovan Rose, a Norview High and Hampton U. grad, would be the new coach. “I felt a dire need to have atop our football program a coach whose commitment, loyalty and devotion to Hampton University were without question,” Hardy said.

Hardy told the Daily Press of Newport News that school officials had heard Holmes might be seeking jobs with NFL teams. Then, Holmes informed the school that he planned to interview with pro teams at this past Saturday’s Senior Bowl. “We could not approve that,” Hardy told the newspaper. “He felt the need to go and do those interviews anyway.”

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Give it a break Hampton--you are not Boston College! Get ready to become the homecoming queen for entire MEAC. I know of no professionals that should not seek a higher office, a better paying job or greater job security, especially during a period of great economic depression for our country. How soon Hardy forgets--he jumped ship from Mississippi Valley on June 20, 2008 after a six year stint, to come to Hampton for more MONEY! Chump!!