Grambling State Extends Coach Mickey Joseph's Contract After Turnaround Season

Joseph led the Tigers to their first winning season since 2019 and will now coach through 2027 with option years.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Grambling State University has agreed to a two-year contract extension for head football coach Mickey Joseph, keeping him with the program through the 2027 season with option years in 2028 and 2029. Joseph guided the Tigers to a 7-5 record in 2025, their first winning season since 2019 and best single-season mark since 2017.

Why it matters

Grambling State is one of the most storied HBCU football programs, but the team had struggled in recent years before Joseph's arrival. His turnaround of the program in just one season has earned him a long-term commitment from the university as they look to build sustained success.

The details

Joseph took over as Grambling State's head coach in 2023 after the previous coach, Hue Jackson, was relieved of his duties. In his first season, Joseph navigated the team through key injuries, suspensions, and issues with player medical treatment and NIL deals to lead them to a 7-5 record, their best since 2017. The highlight was a 41-20 statement victory over Jackson State at the HBCU Las Vegas Classic.

  • Grambling State named Mickey Joseph the new head coach after the 2023 season.
  • In the 2025 season, Grambling State had a 7-5 record, their first winning season since 2019.
  • On February 26, 2026, Grambling State announced a two-year contract extension for Coach Joseph through the 2027 season, with option years in 2028 and 2029.

The players

Mickey Joseph

The head football coach of the Grambling State Tigers who led the team to a turnaround 7-5 season in 2025, his first year with the program.

Tryavean Scott

The vice president of intercollegiate athletics at Grambling State University who announced the contract extension for Coach Joseph.

Hue Jackson

The previous head football coach of the Grambling State Tigers who was relieved of his duties in 2023, leading to Mickey Joseph's hiring.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This decision reflects our belief in the future of Grambling State football. We are committed to building a program defined by discipline, development, and championships.”

— Tryavean Scott, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Grambling State University (SI.com)

“I want to sincerely thank our administration, our players, and Tiger Nation for their continued trust and support. It means a great deal to lead this program. We are working every day to build something special for the future, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this university and these young men.”

— Mickey Joseph, Head Football Coach, Grambling State Tigers (SI.com)

What’s next

The Grambling State Tigers are scheduled to open their 2026 season on August 29 against Clark Atlanta, followed by games against Central State and Texas Christian before facing Prairie View A&M in the Cotton Bowl at the State Fair Classic on September 26.

The takeaway

Mickey Joseph's turnaround of the Grambling State football program in just one season has earned him a long-term commitment from the university, as they look to build sustained success for one of the most storied HBCU football programs. The Tigers' return to winning ways after several down years is an encouraging sign for the future of the program.