Morehouse College Names Former Falcons And NFL Star Terance Mathis The Maroon Tigers Head Football Coach

ATLANTA, GA — Morehouse College announces the appointment of Terance Mathis as the new head coach of the Maroon Tigers football team. A former NFL star and accomplished coach recently inducted into the 2023 College Football Hall of Fame, Mathis brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the game that will undoubtedly inspire the team to new heights. Morehouse College president, Dr. David A. Thomas, shares, “It is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to our new head football coach, former NFL pro and college football Hall of Famer, Terance Mathis, a leader who embodies the spirit of teamwork, dedication, and excellence. I look forward to watching Coach Mathis take our program to new heights and establishing a winning football culture within Morehouse College athletics.”

“We are in a season of change and enhancement within Morehouse Athletics,” says athletic director Harold Ellis ’92, who joined his alma mater last August. “The College is known for producing some of the most skilled and gifted professionals across all industries, and that same spirit of excellence must be established within our athletic programs. I’m excited to welcome Coach Mathis to The House and look forward to partnering with him in taking the football program to the next level.” Born in Detroit and later moving to Georgia, Mathis’s football journey began at Redan High School in the 1980s, where he excelled as a star quarterback. His college years at the University of New Mexico saw him transition to receiver, earning him a spot on the All-American team in 1989. Mathis set records by becoming the first player with over 250 receptions, 4,000 receiving yards, and 6,000 yards total.

Drafted by the New York Jets in 1990, Mathis showcased his versatility as a punt and kick returner, amassing impressive statistics and establishing himself as a dynamic player. His notable career includes stints with the Jets and the Falcons, where he became the eighth player in NFL history to surpass the 100-catch mark in his first season. He played eight seasons with the Falcons, including the 1998 Super Bowl season when he caught 64 passes for 1,136 years and an incredible 17.8 yards per catch average. Off the field, Mathis’s contributions extend beyond the gridiron. In 1996, he founded the Terance Mathis Foundation, now known as the Terance Mathis Educational Institute, displaying his commitment to education and community service. Mathis’s outstanding achievements were recognized when he was selected as the Atlanta Falcons’ “Man of the Year” in 1998. After retiring from professional play, Mathis ventured into coaching, serving as the Offensive Coordinator for Savannah State University and contributing to various collegiate programs. His dedication to player development is further emphasized by his involvement in coaching at different levels, from the NFL to youth ball. Terance Mathis’s coaching accolades include leading Pinecrest Academy to success from 2017 to 2019 and serving as pass game coordinator at Blessed Trinity in 2020 and Fellowship Christian in 2021.