Cedric Thomas, an American college football coach and former player, has been appointed as the new head football coach at Alcorn State University, according to an announcement by Interim President Tracy M. Cook.
Thomas now holds the position of the 22nd head coach in the history of the program.
Cedric Thomas
Title – Head Coach
Team – Alcorn State
Conference – SWAC
1997–1998 – Mississippi Delta CC
1999–2000 – Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Position – Defensive back
2001 – Alcorn State (GA)
2002 – UT-Martin (RB)
2003-2004 – Mississippi Delta CC (DC)
2005-2006 – Itawamba CC (DB)
2007-2011 – Mississippi Delta CC (DC)
2012-2015 – Alcorn State (DB)
2016-2017 – Alcorn State (DC)
2018-2019 – Arkansas -Pine Bluff
2020 – Southern Miss (DB)
2021 – Mississippi Delta CC
2022-2023 – Alcorn State (DC)
2024 – Present – Alcorn State
Overall – 8–14 (college) 5–4 (junior college)
Alcorn State University Welcomes New Football Head Coach, Cedric Thomas
“Dr. Tracy M. Cook expressed Alcorn State University’s steadfast dedication to our football program and student-athletes.
I’m excited to announce Cedric Thomas as our new head football coach. I believe he’s well-suited to uphold our tradition of winning championships.
His love for the game, leadership style with our athletes, and future vision will further enhance our commitment to excellence as a leading presence in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.”
Robert Raines, Interim Director of Athletics, expressed satisfaction with Thomas’s appointment.
“We’re thankful Coach Cedric Thomas accepted the role of our new head football coach,” said Raines. “With extensive knowledge and experience, Thomas, an Alcorn alumnus, is well-acquainted with the program, having served two stints with the Braves.
His alignment with our culture, strong program command, rapport with players, and commitment to maintaining a winning program focused on academics, community outreach, and high-character student-athletes make him an ideal fit.”
New Head Football Coach Cedric Thomas’s Expression
![IMG 20240203 111648](https://i0.wp.com/sportonpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_20240203_111648.jpg?resize=268%2C287&ssl=1)
Coach Thomas expressed gratitude and humility about taking on the new role at the university.
“I’m deeply honoured for the opportunity to lead the Alcorn State University Braves as the new head football coach,” said Thomas.
“I aim to build upon the foundation set by legendary coaches, players, and staff before me. Our focus remains on maintaining a championship culture that makes the University and alumni proud.”
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Coaching Journey
Coach Cedric Thomas has a rich history in coaching, marked by various impactful roles at different institutions.
Return to Alcorn State
In March 2022, Coach Thomas returned to Alcorn State as the defensive coordinator, taking charge of the program where he previously served as the defensive back coach from 2012-2015 and as the defensive coordinator in 2016 and 2017.
Achievements with Alcorn
During his eight seasons with the Braves, Alcorn achieved significant success, securing four consecutive SWAC Eastern Division titles, back-to-back SWAC titles in 2014 and 2015, and participating in the inaugural Celebration Bowl.
Coaching Stints
Before rejoining Alcorn, Coach Thomas led Mississippi Delta Community College to a 5-4 season in 2021. His coaching prowess was evident as three student-athletes received Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference All-Conference awards.
In the 2020 season, he served as the defensive back coach at the University of Southern Mississippi after a two-year term as the head football coach at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Success at UAPB
Coach Thomas’s tenure at UAPB witnessed remarkable growth, with a four-win improvement and coaching 14 All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) honorees, including nine first-team selections.
Diverse Coaching Experience
His coaching journey includes roles at the University of Tennessee-Martin, Itawamba Community College, and multiple stints at Mississippi Delta Community College.
Educational Background
Coach Thomas is not only a standout in coaching but also academically accomplished. He earned an Associate of Arts degree from Mississippi Delta Community College in 1998, a bachelor’s degree in recreation from the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff in 2001, and a master’s degree in administration from Alcorn State University in 2015.
Cedric Thomas’s Family
Coach Thomas, who graduated from East Side High School, shares his life with his wife Kelunda. Together, they are proud parents to their daughter, Loegan. Additionally, Coach Thomas is a father to his son, Cedric Jr.
SOURCES: alcorn.edu / Wikipedia