photo courtesy of HBCU Gameday
Former NFL player Ed Reed has officially walked out as head coach of Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, after being brought on to the football program just 25 days ago. Reed announced his departure from the HBCU with a January 21 Twitter announcement. He attributed the decision to recent tensions between his team and the University, as well as a difference in opinion on the football program’s direction between him and the administration.
Reed, 44, wrote in the announcement, “Bethune-Cookman University has been working with my legal team to craft contract terms with the language and resources we knew were needed to build a successful football program,”
“It’s my desire to not only coach football but to be an agent of change that most people just talk about being. However, after weeks of negotiations, I’ve been informed that the University won’t be ratifying my contract and won’t make good on the agreement we had in principle, which had provisions and resources best needed to support the student athletes.
The statement continued, “I was committed to coaching and cultivating a relationship with the University, Players, Community and the Fans. It’s extremely disappointing this won’t be happening.”
Earlier this week, Reed issued an apology for a rant he went on about the resources for Black students at the HBCU program. As previously reported, He said that although he stood by the message of his video, his “language and tone were unacceptable as a father, coach and leader.” He reiterated that he wanted better for the program though, “
My passion for our culture, betterment and bringing our foundation up got the best of me, and I fell victim while engaging with antagonists on social media as well. I am fully aware of the hard-working folks at our school who are also fighting to make things better and more financially sound.”