The troubles with coaches, struggles of players and the angst of fans are all well documented at Jackson State University. And with their tumultuous season finally coming to a close with a loss in the Capital City Classic, the off-season signals a multitude of questions for the Tiger football program.
Tops on the list is the future of head coach Rick Comegy. Between the infighting between himself and offensive coordinator James Woody, the shuffling of quarterbacks and the rising disgust of the fans, there seems to be more room for Comegy on the outside looking in. 2009 was Comegy’s first losing season as a head coach since 2003 as the then-coach of Tuskegee, and the first losing season for the Tigers since 2005. More interesting, Comegy’s tenure with the Tigers is the second stop in his career in which he hasn’t reached the 10-win plateau by his third season at the helm.
The first stop? Two winless seasons at Cheyney in the early 90’s.
And Comegy’s isn’t the only seat on fire at JSU. Athletic director Bob Braddy has also been under fire from fans and supporters of the program. With Comegy’s struggles, and a controversial decision to avoid playing Prairie View this season, Braddy has been an easy target for the Tigers’ gridiron woes. The university extended his contract earlier this summer, and the athletics program as a whole has thrived under his direction.
But everyone knows football is king at JSU; and if they can’t win, Tiger Pride doesn’t allow fans to sit well with folks keeping their jobs.
