NCCU Football Announces Coaching Staff Overhaul

New hires signal a strategic shift towards a more dynamic and competitive team

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:15pm

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North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Head Football Coach Trei Oliver has made a series of impactful coaching additions, including the appointments of Chris Barnette as Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator, Tommy Thigpen as Defensive Coordinator, Grayson Reed as Offensive Line Coach, Elijah Coleman as Cornerbacks Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, and Omar Beasley as Director of Speed Development. These changes are designed to elevate the Eagles program and keep NCCU competitive in the evolving landscape of HBCU football.

Why it matters

NCCU's coaching changes come at a critical time, as HBCU football is experiencing a renaissance with increased investment, national media attention, and a renewed commitment to developing student-athletes. The MEAC conference is becoming increasingly competitive, and NCCU's moves demonstrate a commitment to staying at the forefront of this exciting period.

The details

The key hires include Chris Barnette, who brings a proven track record of offensive success from Alabama State, where the Hornets averaged over 42 points and 462 yards of total offense per game in 2025. Tommy Thigpen's extensive experience at power-five programs like Tennessee and Auburn will provide valuable leadership and strategic expertise to the NCCU defense. Grayson Reed's background with USC and Texas A&M will help maintain the Eagles' already solid offensive line play, while Elijah Coleman's ties to Howard University and MEAC championship experience will enhance the program's recruiting efforts. Additionally, the hiring of Omar Beasley as Director of Speed Development signals a focus on data-driven training and utilizing trending technologies to optimize player performance and reduce injuries.

  • NCCU Head Football Coach Trei Oliver made the coaching staff changes in February 2026.

The players

Trei Oliver

The head football coach at North Carolina Central University.

Chris Barnette

The new Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator at NCCU, known for his success at Alabama State where the Hornets averaged over 42 points and 462 yards of total offense per game in 2025.

Tommy Thigpen

The new Defensive Coordinator at NCCU, with a wealth of experience and a pedigree that resonates with college football fans, including coaching stops at power-five programs like Tennessee and Auburn.

Grayson Reed

The new Offensive Line Coach at NCCU, with a background at USC and Texas A&M.

Elijah Coleman

The new Cornerbacks Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at NCCU, with ties to Howard University and a MEAC championship win with the Bison.

Omar Beasley

The new Director of Speed Development at NCCU, with a focus on data-driven training and utilizing trending technologies to optimize player performance and reduce injuries.

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What they’re saying

“These coaching changes aren't happening in a vacuum. HBCU football is experiencing a renaissance, fueled by increased investment, national media attention, and a renewed commitment to developing student-athletes.”

— Samantha Carter, Editor-in-Chief, Newsy-Today.com

What’s next

NCCU's 8-4 record in 2025 and Coach Oliver's overall success (45-25) provide a solid foundation, but the MEAC is becoming increasingly competitive. These coaching hires are designed to not only maintain that success but to build a program capable of consistently challenging for conference championships and potentially making noise on the national stage.

The takeaway

NCCU's strategic coaching additions, including the hires of Chris Barnette, Tommy Thigpen, Grayson Reed, Elijah Coleman, and Omar Beasley, demonstrate a holistic approach to building a winning program that can compete at the highest level of HBCU football. The focus on offensive firepower, defensive expertise, and data-driven training suggests a commitment to elevating the Eagles' program and keeping them at the forefront of the evolving MEAC landscape.