In a recent clip from The Jay Hill Podcast, host Jay Hill and guest Alex Blanc tackled a hot topic in the sports world: the rise of former professional athletes taking on head coaching roles at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The discussion was sparked by the wave of high-profile hires following Deion Sanders’ success at Jackson State University. With names like Michael Vick joining Norfolk State and DeSean Jackson heading to Delaware, the two engaged in a critical conversation about the potential impact—and pitfalls—of this trend.
The dialogue opened with praise for Deion Sanders, whose tenure at Jackson State brought unprecedented visibility to HBCU programs. Blanc noted that Sanders’ prior coaching experience, coupled with his years of football expertise and involvement in his sons’ athletic development, made him uniquely suited for the role. “Deion wasn’t just a big name—he was prepared,” Blanc said, adding that while Sanders has inspired other stars to step into coaching, not every former athlete may be as ready for the challenge.
Hill echoed this sentiment, expressing cautious optimism about the recent appointments of Vick and Jackson. While both former NFL stars have impressive résumés as players, Hill questioned whether their limited coaching experience could meet the demands of leading college-level programs. “It’s exciting, sure, but coaching isn’t just about star power—it’s about strategy, discipline, and experience,” Hill pointed out.
Despite their concerns, both hosts acknowledged the positive ripple effect that these hires could have on HBCUs. With big names at the helm, recruitment opportunities could significantly improve, particularly for skilled quarterbacks and wide receivers. “Even if they don’t get SEC-level recruits, they’ll still attract serious talent,” Blanc added, pointing to the broader potential for growth in HBCU athletics.
The conversation also touched on the game-changing introduction of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. Blanc argued that the NIL era gives HBCUs a better shot at competing with larger schools by offering players new financial incentives. “Now that athletes can earn money, they have more freedom to choose schools based on culture and personal fit, not just exposure,” he said.
However, both Hill and Blanc maintained a degree of skepticism regarding the hiring practices behind these appointments. While they appreciated the buzz that big names bring, they stressed the importance of selecting coaches based on qualifications, not just fame. “We want to see these programs succeed, but it has to be done right,” Hill concluded, underscoring the need for long-term planning and proper support to ensure sustainable success.
Ultimately, the duo expressed cautious hope for the future of HBCU athletics. If executed well, they believe these hires could foster significant program growth, attract higher-level recruits, and inspire a new generation of players. “It’s not just about bringing attention—it’s about creating something lasting,” Blanc said, wrapping up the conversation on a note of optimism.
