Grambling State University President Frank G. Pogue and Athletic Director Aaron James announce the selection of Gramblinite legacy Broderick Lee Fobbs as the next head coach of the university football team.
A second-generation graduate of Grambling State, Fobbs was chosen from a pool of more than 100 candidates. His appointment, effective Monday (Dec. 9), is pending University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors approval. A news conference is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday in the Doris Robinson Room of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum on the campus.
“I’m elated for the opportunity. Grambling State University is a prestigious institution. It’s an opportunity I’ve always dreamed of at a place where I’ve always dreamed of being,” said Fobbs. “I stand on the shoulders of a number of great men, and many of them coached and mentored me. They instilled in me the importance of GSU’s expectations, history and legacy and we’re going to do just what they expect and deserve.”
Fobbs, the tight ends coach at McNeese State University, was an honors student while playing GSU football in the late 1990s under legendary head football coach Eddie G. Robinson Sr., the NCAA’s winningest coach in Division I. He has experience recruiting across Louisiana both at McNeese (FCS school) and the University of Southern Mississippi (SBS school).
“I couldn’t be happier that Broderick has agreed to return home and lead our football program back to greatness,” said Pogue. “It’s obvious that we’ve had a couple of truly difficult seasons, and that’s not something that Grambling State alums and supporters are used to – and we’re about to change that with Fobbs.”
“We believe Fobbs is the right person to breathe new life into our football program, a Gramblinite who is professional, respectful, a listener, a doer and a strong administrator who understands the multiple roles of a good football coach in athletics and the university as a whole,” add Pogue. “This is a guy who knows and understands Grambling State and all of its deep, rich history and the tradition of winning on the field and off the field.”
“I’ve known Fobbs for a number of years,” added James, “and I am confident that he is the man for the job. It’s a big job with a lot of challenges and a lot of opportunities, but the guy came in with a heck of a plan and a presentation that wowed us.”
Since graduating from GSU in 1997 as the son of two Gramblinites, Fobbs coached high school football while in Waco, Texas; worked as a graduate assistant with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette football program and spent five seasons, 2002 to 2007, with Northwestern State University in a variety of coaching positions, including tight ends, receivers and running backs coach. The latter part of Fobbs career has been at McNeese State with the exception of a 2012 season stint at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Fobbs was a part of multiple championship football teams, including McNeese State’s 2009-2010 and 2007-2008 when each team made it to the FCS playoffs and Northwestern State University’s conference championship team in 2004-2005. He has a reputation as a strong motivator and leader, coaching a number of successful football players, including Darius Carey, a McNeese State All-American punt returner; Quinten Lawrence, a sixth-round draft pick with the Kansas City Chiefs from McNeese; Steven Whitehead, an All American who played/plays with the New Orleans Saints and Northwestern State’s David Pittman, a kickoff return specialist drafted in the third round by the Baltimore Ravens. While coaching at Northwestern State, he recruited and coached Derrick Doyle and Toby Zeigler, two of the most productive receivers in NSU history who rank No. 1 and No. 2 at the school in receptions, respectively.
Fobbs, a native of Monroe, La., will coach with McNeese State as they face the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in an NCAA Division I FCS football championship game at Cowboy Stadium in Lake Charles, La., on Saturday at 6 p.m.
“I want to thank the football head coach search committee for a superb job,” said Pogue. “Theirs was a high-level, approach that included a rubric and questions for each candidate, a ranking system and a clear, objective feedback process. I’ve participated in and led a lot of searches, and this was one of the best I’ve ever seen.”
James thanked the football coaches, especially interim head coach Dennis “Dirt” Winston, for leading the football team through a difficult transition, helping the team become more competitive in the final weeks of the season.
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About Grambling State University
Grambling State University, located in Grambling, Louisiana, is a historically black university founded in 1901. The University has been accredited by 13 accrediting associations and holds accreditations in all programs required by the Louisiana Board of Regents. The 590-acre campus offers 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Grambling State University is a member of the University of Louisiana System.
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Wednesday, December 4th 2013 at 6:00PM
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