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North Carolina A&T head coach Shawn Gibbs unveiled his coaching staff on Monday, featuring familiar faces and strong ties to A&T Aggies history

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GREENSBORO – North Carolina A&T head coach Shawn Gibbs unveiled his coaching staff on Monday, featuring familiar faces and strong ties to A&T Aggies history.

A&T graduate Denzel Jones takes the helm as defensive coordinator, marking his return to Aggieland. Former Howard University quarterback Greg McGhee joins as the offensive coordinator.

Several key members of past A&T coaching staffs are also returning, including offensive line coach Ron Mattes, wide receivers coach Nate Poole, running backs coach Keith Henry, outside linebackers coach Terry Lantz, tight ends coach Stephen Barnette, and assistant linebackers coach Alex Purviance.

Another notable addition is defensive backs coach Tony McRae, a celebrated A&T alumnus and former standout on defense and special teams. Rounding out the staff is defensive line coach OC Williams II, with Theric Holt appointed as the director of football operations.

“I’m thrilled about the staff we’ve put together,” said Gibbs. “Many of them have deep connections to A&T and have excelled in both HBCU football and professional arenas.”

Defensive Coordinator: Denzel Jones

Jones played for A&T from 2012 to 2015, earning Defensive MVP at the inaugural Celebration Bowl. After three successful seasons as Gibbs’ defensive coordinator at Fort Valley State University (FVSU), where the Wildcats led Division II in total defense and rush defense in 2024, he returns to coach A&T’s linebackers alongside his coordinator duties.

Offensive Coordinator: Greg McGhee

McGhee, a former MEAC Offensive Player of the Year (2013, 2014), is a Howard University Hall of Famer. He previously coached quarterbacks and served as passing game coordinator at Howard, following stints at West Liberty University. McGhee remains the MEAC’s all-time leader in total yards and completions. Alongside his coordinator role, he will coach A&T’s quarterbacks.

Returning Coaches

  • Ron Mattes: Returning for his 10th season, Mattes has developed standout offensive linemen, including Atlanta Falcons tackle Brandon Parker.
  • Nate Poole: Since 2020, Poole has mentored top receivers like Zachary Leslie and Ger-Cari Caldwell.
  • Keith Henry: Transitioning from safeties to running backs coach after two seasons.
  • Terry Lantz: Former defensive coordinator at Averett, Lantz previously served A&T under Rod Broadway and Sam Washington.

New and Familiar Faces

  • Tony McRae: A former NFL player and dynamic return specialist during his time at A&T, McRae returns after coaching at NC Central, where he contributed to the 2022 Celebration Bowl victory.
  • OC Williams II and Theric Holt: Both coached under Gibbs at FVSU, contributing to the Wildcats’ dominance in 2024. Williams will coach the defensive line, while Holt transitions to director of football operations.

The Aggies kick off their season on Saturday, August 30, against Tennessee State. With a blend of seasoned coaches and fresh perspectives, Gibbs’ staff aims to elevate A&T football to new heights.

We are dedicated to celebrating the rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring legacy of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Our mission is to provide a platform that honors the invaluable contributions of HBCUs to higher education, social justice, and community empowerment. Through insightful articles, engaging narratives, and meaningful dialogue, we strive to amplify the voices, experiences, and achievements within the HBCU community. By fostering awareness, appreciation, and support for HBCUs, we aspire to inspire current and future generations to pursue excellence, equity, and inclusivity in education and beyond.

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SWAC Outdoor Track & Field — Jackson State Breaks Through, FAMU Stays on Top

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The SWAC delivered one of the biggest championship storylines of the season as Jackson State and Florida A&M claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.

Jackson State shocked the conference by capturing the men’s championship, powered by explosive sprint performances and clutch relay execution. The Tigers built momentum throughout the meet and held off late pushes to secure a historic breakthrough title.

On the women’s side, Florida A&M continued its championship tradition, controlling the meet with consistent scoring across sprints, hurdles, and field events. The Rattlers’ depth once again proved decisive as they stayed ahead of a competitive field to claim another SWAC crown.

Two different stories — one breakthrough, one dynasty — defined the SWAC season.

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SIAC Outdoor Track & Field — Morehouse and Tuskegee Capture 2026 Championships

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The SIAC championships belonged to Morehouse and Tuskegee as both programs delivered complete team performances to claim the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.

On the men’s side, Morehouse controlled the meet from start to finish, scoring consistently across sprints, distance, and field events to build separation early. The Maroon Tigers maintained their advantage through the final events, sealing another conference championship built on depth and execution.

On the women’s side, Tuskegee continued its dominance with a back-to-back SIAC championship performance. The Golden Tigers delivered strong scoring across sprints, relays, and field events, holding off the field once again to repeat as conference champions.

Together, Morehouse and Tuskegee set the standard in SIAC track & field heading into postseason competition.

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Voorhees & Dillard Lead New Conference Era | HBCUAC Outdoor Track & Field

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The HBCUAC championship meet marked a new era as Voorhees and Dillard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles in defining early conference performances.

Voorhees secured the men’s championship through consistent scoring across sprints, middle distance, and field events, proving to be the most complete team in a tightly contested meet.

Dillard followed on the women’s side with a strong all-around effort, highlighted by relay execution and key individual performances that helped them control the championship race from start to finish.

The HBCUAC now begins its competitive identity with two early benchmark programs setting the standard.

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MEAC Outdoor Track & Field — Norfolk State & Howard Continue Dynasty Control

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The MEAC once again ran through two familiar powers as Norfolk State and Howard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field championships in dominant fashion.

On the men’s side, Norfolk State continued its conference dynasty, securing its fifth straight MEAC outdoor title. The Spartans delivered across sprints, hurdles, and relays, using depth and execution in the final events to separate from the field and close out another championship run.

On the women’s side, Howard extended its own reign of dominance, stacking points across distance races, field events, and relays to secure another MEAC crown. The Bison’s balance and consistency across all disciplines once again proved too much for the rest of the conference.

MEAC dominance remains firmly in the hands of Norfolk State and Howard heading into postseason competition.

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CIAA Outdoor Track & Field — Virginia Union & Winston-Salem State Hold the Crown

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The CIAA saw strong championship performances on both sides as Virginia Union and Winston-Salem State claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.

Virginia Union controlled the men’s meet with steady scoring across sprints, middle distance, and field events, building enough separation to hold off challengers and secure the championship.

On the women’s side, Winston-Salem State continued its strong run in CIAA competition, delivering a balanced performance highlighted by relay strength and consistent event scoring to secure another conference title.

CIAA track & field continues to run through two established powers at the top of the conference.

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