Photo courtesy of JSU Athletics
Jackson State has their new head coach, and it’s a familiar face.
The Tigers have removed the interim tag from John Hendrick, who stepped in after Tony Hughes was let go during the 2018 season and led the team to two wins in their final three games.
Hendrick served as the team’s defensive coordinator prior to taking the reins as the head coach and is ready to serve as the 20th head coach in program’s history.
“I would like to thank President (William B.) Bynum and Mr. Robinson for trusting me to lead this legendary football program,” Hendrick said. “Our goals will remain the same: graduate our student-athletes, compete for championships and continue to build this program into a force in the SWAC and the destination HBCU program in the country.”
Athletic Director Ashley Robinson said that Hendrick’s 30 years of coaching experience make him the right fit to lead the program forward.
“John Hendrick is a veteran who has proven his ability to provide the type of leadership that is required for our football program,” said Ashley Robinson, JSU Vice President and Director of Athletics.
“Coach Hendrick has a vision for his offense. He will hire a proven offensive mind that will install an exciting and up-tempo offense. Fans will enjoy the points lighting up the scoreboard that will remind us all of the glory days. Beyond that, Coach Hendrick is a master-motivator, an experienced play-caller, a great defensive technician and, most importantly, puts the welfare of student-athletes above all else.”
JSU RB Jordan Johnson is ready for his senior season, and he’s excited to see Hendrick put his stamp on the program.
“I can speak for the team and say that we are all excited that Coach Hendrick is our new head coach,” Johnson said. “We have a coach who demands excellence in the classroom and on the field of play. Coach Hendrick is the type of coach who will leave a positive, life-long effect on myself and my teammates.”
Hendrick served as the defensive line coach at Kansas State from 1991 to 1993 and the principles he learned under Wildcats’ head coach Bill Snyder will be used to help shape the JSU football program.
“I am proud of John and of Jackson State for hiring him. I have a great appreciation for John and his contribution to the development of our program here at Kansas State University,” Snyder said. “John is a knowledgeable and talented football coach. He works well with and cares about young people and is a strong leader. He will do well there.”
Hendrick spent time on staff at Mississippi State, LSU, Texas A&M and many other schools prior to joining the Tigers.
