Just a mere three days after Coach Rod Broadway’s untimely departure to North Carolina A&T, Coach Andre Robinson was named interim head football coach by President Frank G. Pogue Monday. Robinson, who replaces Broadway, is no stranger to the Grambling program. During his college career at Grambling, he led the Tigers to three SWAC championships. Robinson also has been the linebacker coach for six years.
“Andre Robinson links the legacy of Eddie Robinson to the present football championship era. Andre was an accomplished player at Grambling who was recognized nationally,” says GSU Athletic Director J. Lin Dawson.
Robinson is replacing Rob Broadway, whose premature departure left a bad taste in the mouth of Gramblinites everywhere.
The Grambling University Alumni Association issued a statement regarding Broadways departure.
“This is indeed a bittersweet moment for us: On the one hand, we are saddened by his departure,” the statement reported. “On the other hand, we understand the importance of family.”
It was first reported Broadway would be leaving North Louisiana a week ago for the East Coast. However reports subsequently sur Afaced claiming Broadway would stay at Grambling. Nevertheless, the President confirmed Broadway indeed had stepped down.
So why did Broadway leave?
After all, he appeared at a press conference last Monday in Monroe to announce the two-year agreement in which Grambling and ULM will play again. If your mind is already made up, why lead Grambling on?
Sources close to the program believe Broadway delayed his departure date to make sure Grambling kept its 12 high school signees.
The Tigers open their 2011 football season on Sept. 3 against Louisiana Tech in the second annual Port City Classic in Shreveport.