Tennessee State Tigers Reed Honored by Fritz Pollard Alliance

COACH ROD REED
PHOTO COURTESY: TSU ATHLETICS

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  Tennessee State football’s Rod Reed was given the 2013 NCAA Head Coaches Award by the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation last week.

 

Reed led the Tigers to their first appearance in the FCS Playoffs since 1999 and first postseason win since 1986.  The Tigers defeated Butler 31-0 in the first round before falling to Eastern Illinois in the second round.  The Tigers finished the season 10-4 and second in the Ohio Valley Conference.

 

The Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation aims to increase access and opportunity for minorities interested in coaching, front office and scouting positions in the National Football League.

 

The Alliance’s namesake was the first African American in the APFL and NFL. Pollard was also the first to play on a championship team (1920), as well as the first black quarterback (1923) and coach (1921).

 

Reed was one of just 15 coaches given the honor along with Dino Barbers (EIU), Brian Jenkins (BCU), James Franklin (Vanderbilt), David Shaw (Stanford), Charlie Strong (Louisville) and Kevin Sumlin (TAMU).

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION