A roar of excitement and chats of “Who Dat” filled the T.H. Harris auditorium as attendants of Tuesday’s general assembly received an unexpected proposal from former New Orleans Saints wide receiver.
Joe Horn announced he wanted his name to be put in the mix of the next head football coach.
“I am undoubtedly serious about my bid for the head coaching position a Grambling State University,” said the four time NFL Pro Bowler.
Horn hopes to replace NFL Super Bowl XXII VIP quarterback, Doug Williams who was fired on Sept. 11. Under Williams’ leadership, the Tigers slumped through last season and open this season three games down, making it seven loses over two seasons, and face a long haul to Bayou Classic in Nov. Williams finished with a 63-32 record in two stints at his alma mater.
Horn said his “14 years of knowledge and experience in the NFL” has prepared him to change the Tigers’ fate.
“Being successful at Grambling wouldn’t be very difficult at all,” said the retired American Football Wide Receiver. “As head coach, I feel it would be my duty to not only rebuild the football program, but give all students at Grambling hope for their futures.”
Current football players agreed Horn would be a good choice for the next head coach.
“He could motivate us on and off the field to be the best including our academics,” said Rashad Muhammad, a red shirt strong safety freshman from Baton Rouge.
Grambling’s administration was among the crowd shocked by the news.
“I do not know if (Horn) was serious,” said Aaron James, the athletic director. “I have not received his resume.”
Since Williams’ termination, James said his email is packed with resumes from coaches around the nation.
“We are open to resumes from everyone,” said James. “We are a state institute, everyone has the right to apply.”
He could not disclose the top candidates but said they are looking for the right fit.
There are some flags against Horn’s application for the vacant position. He does not have any coaching experience at the collegiate level, but argues that his years in professional football have prepared him for this opportunity.
“I have never been head football coach at any university,” said the owner of Bayou 87, a barbecue sauce company. “I have soaked in from being around successful coaches, I am sure I can fill this position successfully.”
Horn did not graduate from Itawamba Community College and wasn’t eligible to attend a Division-I school. Instead he took a jagged route to the NFL, which included stops with the Canadian Football League. Through long journey, he learned first hand the importance of education and how the lack of would stop opportunities from elapsing.
“I didn’t think my academic career matter,” said Horn in an address to many Grambling students and faculty.
Despite his sketchy resume, Horn may be what the G-Men are looking for.
“A lot of what Joe Horn said today is what we are looking for, a well-rounded person,” said James, a Grambling alum and former NBA player of the then New Orleans Jazz.
As for now, George Ragsdale will remain the interim head coach until a new coach is chosen.