UAPB introduces Cedric Thomas as new Golden Lions head football coach

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- Cedric Thomas, 20th head coach of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions football team, has been involved in football for over 15 years. Returning home to the institution that gave him the opportunity to play collegiate football, Coach Thomas brings championship experience to UAPB. Thomas graduated from UAPB in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science and played football as a defensive back with the Golden Lions.

Coach Thomas has held a variety of positions which eventually led to becoming a head coach. He has been a recruiting coordinator, a graduate assistant, a running back coach, a special teams coordinator, a defensive back coach, and a defensive coordinator.

"My first plan of action is to get a coaching staff together," said Thomas. "I'm in the process right now of making both a short and long list of coaches and just reaching out to those guys and getting that established. I will also get in the recruiting battles right away."

Listed below are some of his top accomplishments while on staff at Alcorn State University:
2014 Southwestern Athletic Conference East Division Champions
2014 Southwestern Athletic Conference Champions
2014 Black College Football National Champions
2015 Southwestern Athletic Conference East Division Champions
2015 Southwestern Athletic Conference Champions
2015 Participated in Celebration Bowl
2016 Southwestern Athletic Conference East Division Champions (defense ranked top-10 in FCS in total sacks)
2017 Southwestern Athletic Conference East Division Champions (defense ranked top-10 in FCS in both red zone and scoring defense)

When asked what it means to come back to UAPB, Thomas answered confidently.

"It absolutely means everything. This place saved my life and I feel obligated to give back."

UAPB will host its annual Black and Gold Spring Football Game in 2018 at Golden Lion Stadium. Please visit UAPB's athletics website in 2018 for more information regarding the Black and Gold game.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION