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Southern Fires Coach Terrence Graves After 1–6 Start, Names Fred McNair Interim Head Coach

The move followed a 1-6 start, hours after Graves said it was business as usual.

Southern Jaguars' head coach Terrence Graves watches during the game against the Jackson State Tigers in Jackson, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. © Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Southern Jaguars' head coach Terrence Graves yells during the SWAC Championship game against the Jackson State Tigers in Jackson, Miss., on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. © Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Athletic director Roman Banks announced the dismissal in a statement thanking Graves and citing unacceptable on-field results.
  • Assistant head coach and co-offensive coordinator Fred McNair steps in as interim, bringing prior success at Alcorn State with multiple division titles and two SWAC championships.
  • Southern’s 1–6 opening marks its worst start since 1971, with the Jaguars outscored 224–58 in their six losses.
  • Offensive struggles were highlighted in the Prairie View A&M loss as QB Ashton Strother threw for 81 yards with an interception and RB Trey Holly ran for 99 yards without a touchdown.
  • Graves, hired in December 2023, went 9–11 overall after an 8–5 season and a SWAC West Division title in 2024; Southern hosts Florida A&M on Saturday at Mumford Stadium.