Tennessee State University Men's Football

Cedric Thornton joined the Tennessee State University football program as associate head coach and linebackers coach ahead of the 2025 season, bringing more than two decades of coaching experience at the collegiate and high school levels. Thornton most recently served as defensive tackles coach and special teams coordinator at Alabama A&M University, following successful defensive coordinator stints at Grambling State University and Alcorn State University. Throughout his career, he has helped build some of the most productive defenses in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). During his two seasons at Grambling State under head coach Hue Jackson, Thornton mentored standout defensive end Sundiata Anderson, who earned multiple conference and national honors, and coached defensive lineman Keyshawn Johnson, a 2023 Stats Perform FCS Freshman All-American selection. Prior to Grambling State, Thornton played a key role at Alcorn State, helping guide the Braves to two SWAC championships and consecutive Celebration Bowl appearances. Promoted to assistant head coach in 2019, he oversaw a defense that ranked among FCS national leaders in interceptions (21), turnovers gained (36), fumbles recovered (15), and red zone defense (.689). In 2018, Alcorn State led the nation in sacks (4.0 per game) and tackles for loss (9.5 per game) while finishing among the top 10 nationally in rushing defense, total defense, and red zone efficiency. Thornton also developed multiple all-conference and All-America performers, including linebacker Solomon Muhammad and defensive back Qwynnterrio Cole. Thornton previously served as defensive coordinator at Alabama State University, where his 2014 defensive unit ranked among the top 15 nationally in scoring defense, passing defense, and total takeaways. That season, the Hornets held seven opponents under 20 points, including the program’s first official shutout since 1994 against Savannah State University. His coaching career also includes a stint at Texas Southern University along with extensive experience in the high school ranks in Montgomery, Alabama, and Jacksonville, Florida. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Thornton played collegiately at Alabama State from 1991 to 1995. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University in 2000 and later completed his master’s degree at Texas Southern University in 2016.

Johnny Johnson serves as the General Manager for Tennessee State University football, where he oversees player personnel and recruiting operations for the program. In this role, he leads roster management strategy, talent identification, and evaluation, while coordinating all aspects of recruiting to support the Tigers’ long-term success. Johnson plays a critical role in building and maintaining relationships with prospective student-athletes, high school and junior college coaches, and internal staff. He manages recruiting logistics, organizes official and unofficial visits, and supports the coaching staff in assembling a competitive and well-balanced roster. A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Johnson earned his Master’s degree from Auburn University at Montgomery in 2012. Known for his detail-oriented approach and strong relationship-building skills, Johnson is instrumental in shaping the future of TSU football through strategic recruiting and player personnel management.

Haley Carter serves as the Director of Football Operations at Tennessee State University, completing her first season with the program in 2025. In this role, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the football program, including team logistics, travel coordination, budgeting, and organizational support, helping ensure a seamless experience for student-athletes and staff. Prior to joining TSU, Carter was the Director of On-Campus Recruiting at Georgia State University, where she led official and unofficial visit operations and enhanced the program’s recruiting strategy. She also spent time at Florida State University, serving as Assistant Director of Football Recruiting Operations and later as Director of Tennis Operations, gaining valuable experience across multiple sports and administrative areas. Carter began her professional career at Georgia Southern University, where she spent more than three years in various roles. She served as Director of Basketball Operations for the women’s basketball program and as an Internal Operations and Track & Field Graduate Assistant, building a strong foundation in event management, team operations, and student-athlete support. A graduate of Georgia Southern, Carter earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management in 2018 and her Master’s degree in Sport Management in 2020. She brings a well-rounded background in operations and recruiting, along with a deep understanding of the student-athlete experience. Carter also shares a meaningful connection to Tennessee State, as her father previously served as a coach within the TSU football program, further strengthening her ties to the university and its rich athletic tradition.

Mike Brown serves as Director of Sports Medicine for the Tennessee State University football program, overseeing all sports medicine operations and providing comprehensive medical care, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance support for Tiger student-athletes. Prior to joining Tennessee State, Brown built extensive experience at Tennessee Tech University, where he worked across all varsity sports programs. He began his tenure as an assistant athletic trainer before earning promotions to head athletic trainer and later director of sports medicine. In those roles, Brown managed daily medical operations, supervised athletic training staff, and implemented comprehensive health and performance protocols for multiple Division I programs. Earlier in his career, Brown completed professional internships with the Detroit Tigers organization and the University of Tennessee football program, gaining valuable experience in both professional and high-level collegiate athletics environments. Born and raised in Kissimmee, Florida, Brown is a graduate of Osceola High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from Florida Southern College in 2012 and later received his Master of Science degree in Exercise Science from Tennessee Tech University in 2014.

Mashack returned to Tennessee State in the spring of 2015 after spending three years in the player personnel department for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Mashack will work closely with the Tigers wide receivers and will serve as the recruiting coordinator. Mashack was added to the Jaguars staff as a scouting assistant in May 2013. Mashack is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the player personnel department, watching and grading film and attending pro days to scout and evaluate players prior to the NFL Draft. Mashack served two seasons (2011-12) as the running backs coach and one season with the tight ends (2010) at Tennessee State University, where he previously acted as the video coordinator after beginning as a student assistant in 2003. Mashack acted as the pro liaison, performed daily video responsibilities and was instrumental in recruiting purposes. Mashack is a native of Miami, Florida and graduated from Tennessee State in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts and Science and a Masters in Sports Administration in 2009. Kevin Mashack

Calen Johnson serves as the Director of Video and Equipment for Tennessee State University football, a role he has held since 2022. In this position, he oversees all video operations and equipment management for the program, ensuring coaches and student-athletes have the tools and resources needed for preparation, performance, and game day execution. A former student-athlete, Johnson played football at TSU from 2019 to 2021, gaining firsthand experience within the program and building a strong understanding of team operations. His transition from player to staff member reflects his commitment to the Tigers and his ability to contribute behind the scenes. Originally from Brownsville, Tennessee, Johnson earned his bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University in 2024. His familiarity with the program, combined with his technical expertise and attention to detail, make him an integral part of TSU football’s day-to-day success.

Matt Leone joined the Tennessee State football coaching staff as offensive coordinator ahead of the 2026 season, bringing a proven track record of building explosive, nationally ranked offenses at both the FCS and NAIA levels. Leone arrives at Tennessee State following a successful tenure as offensive coordinator at North Carolina Central University, where he helped establish one of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s most productive offensive units. During the 2025 season, the Eagles averaged 33.75 points and 420.9 total yards per game, scoring 30 or more points in eight contests. Quarterback Walker Harris thrived under Leone’s guidance, earning MEAC Offensive Player of the Year honors after setting the program’s single-season passing record with 3,214 yards and 24 touchdowns — becoming just the second quarterback in school history to eclipse 3,000 passing yards in a season. NCCU placed four offensive players on the All-MEAC team that year. Leone joined the NCCU staff in January 2020 and helped elevate the Eagles into one of the conference’s most consistent offensive programs. In 2024, NCCU led the MEAC in scoring offense (35.5 points per game) while ranking second in total offense (405.7 yards per game), finishing first in rushing offense and second in passing offense. Running back J’Mari Taylor earned First Team All-MEAC honors after surpassing 1,000 rushing yards, while offensive lineman Trevon Humphrey also collected first-team recognition. The 2023 season saw NCCU post a 9–3 record while averaging a conference-best 35.8 points and 372.3 yards per game, remaining in contention for the MEAC championship behind one of the league’s top passing attacks. In 2022, Leone’s offense powered NCCU to a 10–2 record, a share of the MEAC championship, and a berth in the Cricket Celebration Bowl. The Eagles led the conference in scoring offense (38.6 ppg), total offense (445.3 ypg), passing offense (234.8 ypg), and rushing offense (210.8 ypg), producing five First Team All-MEAC selections, including Offensive Lineman of the Year Robert Mitchell. NCCU scored 40 or more points seven times that season, including three games surpassing the 50-point mark. Prior to NCCU, Leone spent four seasons at Southern University, helping guide the Jaguars to consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference West Division championships in 2018 and 2019. Southern averaged 32.8 points and 403.5 total yards per game during the 2019 season and led the SWAC in pass efficiency in 2018. Leone also coached the program’s all-time leading passer, Austin Howard, and contributed to a 2016 offense that ranked fifth nationally in FCS scoring at 39.8 points per game with 5,191 total yards and 54 touchdowns. Leone began his coaching career at his alma mater, Webber International University, where he spent nine seasons and served five years as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Under his leadership, Webber produced the most productive offenses in program history, including a 2015 unit that ranked fifth nationally in rushing offense and a 2014 team that captured the program’s first conference championship and finished ranked No. 23 in the NAIA Coaches Poll. A four-year letterman quarterback at Webber International, Leone earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2007 and later completed his master’s degree in sport business management at Webber International University in 2009. A native of Ocala, Florida, Leone and his wife, Stephanie, have one daughter, Suthurly.

A native of Maplesville, Alabama, Nick Andrews brings more than 14 years of coaching experience spanning both the high school and collegiate levels. Throughout his career, Andrews has been recognized for his commitment to developing student-athletes both competitively and personally, emphasizing discipline, accountability, and program culture. Andrews earned his bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University in 2012, where he established the foundation of a coaching philosophy centered on leadership, preparation, and mentorship. Away from the field, Andrews is a proud father to his daughter, Nyomi Amor Andrews, who remains his greatest motivation and inspiration.

Matt Brown enters his first season as Linebackers Coach at Tennessee State University in 2026, bringing championship pedigree and a proven record of defensive success to the Tigers’ football staff. Prior to joining TSU, Brown served as Co-Defensive Coordinator at Albany State University from 2023–25, helping build one of the most dominant defenses in NCAA Division II football. During the 2025 season, Albany State captured the NCAA Division II HBCU National Championship and the SIAC Championship while finishing with a program-record 12 wins (12–2) and an undefeated 10–0 conference record. The Golden Rams led Division II in total defense and ranked among the nation’s best across multiple statistical categories, including No. 1 nationally in third-down defense and passing efficiency defense, while finishing near the top nationally in scoring defense, sacks, interceptions, tackles for loss, and red-zone defense. Brown was part of a defensive staff honored as the 2025 AFCA Minority Forum Defensive Coaching Staff of the Year and was named a finalist for Division II Coordinator of the Year by FootballScoop/Teamworks. Brown began his coaching career at his alma mater, Alcorn State University, where he served in several defensive roles from 2018–22. He assisted with the defensive line in 2018 as the Braves led the FCS and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in sacks, sacks per game, and tackles for loss, while also ranking first in total defense and rushing defense. In 2019, he transitioned to graduate assistant linebackers coach, helping guide a defense that ranked No. 1 in the FCS and SWAC in takeaways per game and interceptions while mentoring FCS All-American and All-SWAC standout Solomon Muhammad. Brown later served as the program’s nickels coach in 2022 and was part of Alcorn State’s 2018 and 2019 SWAC Championship and Celebration Bowl teams. A native of Fayette, Mississippi, Brown earned both his Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and Master’s degree in Sports Administration from Alcorn State University. He is a proud 2016 graduate of Jefferson County High School.

Macander Dieudonne enters his first season as Offensive Line Coach at Tennessee State University in 2026, bringing a proven track record of developing physical, productive offensive lines across the FCS, Division II, and NAIA levels. Dieudonne joins TSU following the 2025 season at North Carolina Central University, where he served as Offensive Line Coach and helped guide one of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s most productive offenses. Under his direction, the Eagles averaged 33.8 points per game and 449.5 yards of total offense, ranking second in the MEAC. The offensive line helped power five 450+ yard performances and produced First Team All-MEAC selection Trevon Humphrey. NCCU finished the season 8–4 overall with a 3–2 conference record. Prior to NCCU, Dieudonne served as Offensive Line Coach and Run Game Coordinator at Benedict College, where he helped build one of the nation’s most productive rushing attacks at the Division II level. He also spent the 2019 season at Southern University as Tight Ends Coach, contributing to a SWAC-leading rushing attack and an offense that ranked 25th nationally in FCS scoring. Dieudonne began his coaching career at his alma mater, Webber International University, where he served in multiple offensive roles, including Run Game Coordinator. During his tenure, Webber produced nationally ranked rushing offenses and earned conference accolades across multiple positions. As a player, Dieudonne was a four-year starter on the offensive line at Webber International and helped lead the program to its first Sun Conference championship in 2014. The Warriors ranked among the top rushing offenses in the country in consecutive seasons, including 12th nationally in 2014 and 11th in 2015. He finished his playing career as a two-time First Team All-Sun Conference selection and team captain. Dieudonne earned his master’s degree in Business from Webber International University in 2019.

Terrell Bonds returns to Tennessee State in 2026 as the Tigers’ cornerbacks coach after a professional playing career that included time in the NFL, CFL, XFL, USFL and UFL. A former Tennessee State defensive back, Bonds most recently played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He also spent time professionally with the Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, San Antonio Brahmas, Pittsburgh Maulers and Birmingham Stallions. Bonds began his professional career in 2019 with the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football, recording 14 tackles and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown before signing with the Baltimore Ravens following the league’s shutdown. He spent parts of two seasons with the Ravens organization, appearing on the active roster during the 2020 season against the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers. Bonds later signed with the Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans before continuing his career across multiple professional leagues. A native of Miami, Florida, Bond earned his bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University in 2018. Bond is a proud father to Amare Bonds and Kameron Bonds, who remain a central source of motivation in his coaching career.

Ryan Conway serves as Special Teams Coordinator and Running Backs Coach at Tennessee State University, bringing a diverse background in coaching, scouting, and analytics across both the collegiate and professional football levels. Conway spent the prior season on the defensive side of the ball as Assistant Linebackers Coach before transitioning into his current role. His coaching versatility and analytical background have allowed him to contribute across multiple phases of the game throughout his career. Prior to Tennessee State, Conway spent four seasons with the Cleveland Browns as an Offensive/Scouting Assistant. In that role, he worked closely with offensive staff including Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees, Wide Receivers Coach Chad O’Shea, and Running Backs Coach Duce Staley, while also contributing to the organization’s Pro Scouting Department. Before his time in the NFL, Conway served as an Offensive Analyst at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was part of the staff during the program’s 2021 ACC Championship season. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Data Analyst for an economic litigation consulting firm in Washington, D.C., further strengthening his analytical and strategic skill set. A native of Northern Virginia, Conway earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics with honors from the University of Virginia. He is joined in Nashville by his wife, Cristina, and is proud to call the city home.

Jeremy Watkins enters his first season as defensive line coach at Tennessee State University, bringing extensive experience across the collegiate and professional levels, including his most recent role as defensive line coach for the DC Defenders of the UFL (2024). He has also held coaching positions at Virginia State University and Alderson Broaddus University, along with a long track record of developing collegiate talent at the high school level. Watkins began his collegiate coaching career at Alderson Broaddus in 2019 during the program’s inaugural spring football season, serving as defensive line coach. In that season, he guided two defensive linemen to All-Conference and All-Freshman Team honors. Prior to Alderson Broaddus, Watkins spent 10 years coaching high school football in Alabama. He most recently served as defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Jeff Davis High School in Montgomery, where he helped develop multiple collegiate signees and built a reputation for producing disciplined and fundamentally sound defensive fronts. Watkins also gained collegiate coaching experience at Virginia State University, further strengthening his development and impact at the defensive line position. As a student-athlete, Watkins played at Alabama State University from 2002–2004, where he earned All-SWAC recognition and helped lead the program to a SWAC East Division Championship in 2003 and a SWAC Championship in 2004. He was a two-time letterwinner during his collegiate career. Watkins earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Alabama State University in 2006. A native of Los Angeles, California, Watkins is married to DaShonda, and the couple has two sons, Weston Alford-Watkins and Winston Alford-Watkins. He is also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Carlton Harris serves as the Director of Player Performance for Tennessee State University Football, where he oversees all aspects of strength and conditioning, sports science, nutrition, and return-to-play protocols. Entering his role in 2026, Harris also contributes to special teams coordination, bringing a comprehensive approach to student-athlete performance and development. Harris joins TSU following a successful tenure in the United Football League (UFL), where he served as Head Player Performance Coach from 2023–25. During his time in the league, he worked with the Michigan Panthers, San Antonio Brahmas, and DC Defenders, helping guide teams to consecutive playoff and championship appearances in 2024 and 2025. His efforts culminated in a 2025 UFL Championship with the DC Defenders. Harris’ programs consistently produced top-tier results, as his teams recorded the league’s best regular season and playoff win percentages during his tenure. He also contributed to league-wide initiatives in health and safety, nutrition, and sports science. Prior to his time in professional football, Harris spent six seasons at Virginia State University, where he served as Director of Strength and Conditioning, Special Teams Coordinator, and Running Backs Coach. During his tenure, he coached multiple All-CIAA performers, including CIAA Player of the Year and NFL Draft pick Trenton Cannon. Harris played a key role in leading the Trojans to the 2017 CIAA Championship and a national playoff appearance. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, he served as an Associate Professor in Health Sciences. Harris began his coaching career at Richmond Christian School, where he served as Head Football Coach and Associate Athletic Director from 2013–16. He also gained NFL experience as a Strength and Conditioning Fellow with the Baltimore Ravens in 2024. A native of Ettrick, Virginia, Harris attended Marshall University before transferring to Virginia State, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Health Science in 2007. He later received his Master’s degree in Sports Administration and Coaching from Virginia Commonwealth University. Harris is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and also holds certification in Sports and Data Science. Harris and his wife, Joy, have two sons, Carlton Jr. and Josiah.