TSU's Rod Reed Signs Two Year Contract Extension

HEAD COACH ROD REED
Tennessee State University Tigers

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- Tennessee State University head football coach Rod Reed has signed a two year contract extension that runs through the 2016 season.

During the 2012 season TSU went 8-3, the most wins in an 11 game schedule since 2001. The Tigers placed fifth in the OVC with a 4-3 record and were ranked as high as 17th in The Sports Network FCS Poll.

TSU landed 11 players and 12 total selections on the 2012 All-Ohio Valley Conference Football Team and led the conference with six first-team selections, including five on the offensive side of the ball. They also had three All-American selections in tight end A.C. Leonard, cornerback Steven Godbolt III and offensive lineman Rogers Gaines.

"We feel like we have the program going in a great direction," said athletic director Teresa Phillips, “and we want to continue the improvements that TSU football has shown in recent years. With the way that the team has performance under coach Reed and with the team that’s returning next year, we felt like a contract extension was deserved."

“I am happy to be able to stay at TSU,” said Reed. “It’s always good to know that you are appreciated for the work and time that you put into your job. This is the place that I want to be. This is my home. I was raised here. After what we accomplished during the 2012 season, I’m excited for the future of TSU football."

Reed was named head coach on December 18, 2009 to guide the TSU program. He served as the associate head coach and defensive coordinator during the 2009 season.

Reed began coaching at TSU in 2003 and served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. At the conclusion of the season in which Reed returned to the TSU sideline, the Tigers led the OVC in total defense for the first time in school history. The defense accomplished the same feat in 2008 finishing at the top of the OVC in total defense.

A four-year letter winner for the TSU Tigers from 1984 to 1988, he capped off his career by being named Sheridan All-America his senior season. He set the Tiger record for career tackles from his linebacker slot and in 1987, he set the single season record for tackles with 197. He helped lead the Tigers to the second round of the 1986 Division I-AA playoffs and was selected as Defensive MVP in 1987 and 1988.

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