Ed Reed will no longer be the next head football coach at Bethune-Cookman. The Hall of Fame safety made the announcement on social media via the Ed Reed Foundation.
“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,” read the statement. “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.”
“I was committed to coaching and cultivating a relationship with the University, Players, Community and the Fans,” he continued. “It’s extremely disappointing this won’t be happening.”
“Thank you to those who share my vision and believe that greatness can be achieved with the right environment and surroundings. Although we couldn’t make things work at BCU, the goal and mission are still the same. We serve to lead – lead to serve,” Reed continued.
“We will continue with our pillars Respect, Educate, Empower, Dream. Our efforts will remain about the kids through our foundation via our health and wellness programs, camps and fundraising. We won’t stop changing lives for the better, as we’ve done for over 20 years!”
Reports began to surface in late December that Ed Reed and Bethune-Cookman had reached an agreement in principle to become the program’s next head football coach. Reed then posted a profanity-filled rant on social media about his disappointment in the university and their facilities. He later apologized on social media after facing much backlash from around the HBCU community.
Bethune-Cookman will need to move quickly with their head coaching search after Reed’s departure. National Signing Day is only 11 days away and the Wildcats are the only program in the FCS without a head coach under contract.
RELATED: The Bluebloods 2022 SWAC All-Conference Team
Terry Sims was fired in November after going 2-9 in back-to-back seasons at Bethune-Cookman. The Wildcats have a 4-18 record since joining the SWAC in 2021 season after winning six MEAC championships since the 2000 season.
Reed had spent the last three seasons at his alma mater, Miami, and was most recently the senior football advisor under head coach Mario Cristobal. He also posted his final meeting with the team before his departure from the campus and former Jackson State head coach appeared on the video to offer his support of Reed.
About The Author
