Jackson State University’s football team turned the page on its “Coach Prime” era. The HBCU named wide receivers coach T.C. Taylor as head coach on Tuesday (Dec. 13), replacing retired NFL star Deion Sanders.

“It means everything to be named head coach,” Taylor told the Jackson Clarion Ledger. “It means coming up as a kid being a fan in that [Veterans Memorial] stadium. It has been a dream of mine to be a coach here. But to be a head coach with some of the names that have been through here, W.C. Gorden, James Carson and Coach Prime. Those are big shoes to fill, but I am excited.”

Taylor has deep roots with the JSU tigers. He played quarterback and wide receiver with the team from 1998 to 2001, setting the single-season team record with 84 receptions as a senior.

Sanders announced on Dec. 3 that he was leaving JSU before the completion of his head coaching contract to take the head coach job at the University of Colorado – a move that will cost him about $300,000 to buy out his contract.

Jackson State Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson gave Taylor a vote of confidence.

“T.C.’s passion and love for Jackson State University is unquestioned. His fervent desire and hunger to lead his alma mater as head coach is unparalleled,” Robinson told the Clarion-Ledger. “His standard of excellence as a player as a JSU Tiger and his career trajectory as an assistant coach has prepared him for this opportunity.”

Taylor also received a strong recommendation from Sanders after he announced his departure to Colorado.

Sanders leaves the team in great condition. By all accounts, Sanders had a successful tenure at JSU, where his team holds a 12-0 record this season and a second SWAC title. He was contracted to lead JSU’s team through Dec. 15, 2024.

But his exit also sparked controversy. USA Today reported that some people viewed Sanders as a sellout who turned his back on HBCUs and Black people. Others said he simply did what nearly all college coaches strive to do: make more money at a bigger university.