Edward Waters University is heading into the 2025 football season with a major coaching change.
Head coach Toriano Morgan has officially stepped down from his position, accepting a role as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Tennessee State University. The move comes just ahead of the fall campaign and less than a month after Morgan represented the Tigers at SIAC Media Day. Morgan cited personal reasons for the sudden change, though his new opportunity at TSU—where he starred as a wide receiver—marks a full-circle moment in his coaching career.
Morgan was hired in 2021 to lead Edward Waters during its transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division II. Over four seasons, he compiled an 18–24 record, helping shift the program’s culture and competitiveness. In 2023, he led EWU to a 6–4 season—the school’s first winning football record in over 20 years. That same year, the team earned its highest-ever HBCU national ranking, climbing to No. 8.
Morgan’s departure leaves a significant void, but the Tigers aren’t wasting time. EWU has named veteran coach Brian Jenkins Sr. as interim head coach for the 2025 season. Jenkins, who had been serving as the team’s offensive coordinator since 2021, brings a championship pedigree to the role. He’s best known for his successful tenure at Bethune-Cookman University, where he racked up four MEAC championships and a 46–14 record from 2010 to 2014. His 2012 squad finished a perfect 8–0 in the MEAC and earned him conference Coach of the Year honors.
Ashley Conner, Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Edward Waters, expressed confidence in Jenkins taking the reins.
“We’re confident in Coach Jenkins’ ability to lead our program with integrity, discipline, and vision,” Conner said. “We are excited about the leadership he brings into this transitional chapter.”
The Tigers are entering a pivotal year. In July 2024, Edward Waters received full NCAA Division II membership. The university has invested heavily in its athletic facilities, including the construction of a new on-campus stadium and the enhancement of training resources for student-athletes. The move to D-II also means a more competitive slate of opponents and increased visibility for the program.
Jenkins will inherit a team filled with potential. Five players were recently named to the 2025 SIAC Preseason All-Conference Team, signaling that talent is in place. Edward Waters opens its season on August 30 with a road matchup against Savannah State, followed by key home games versus Miles College and Virginia Union.
While Morgan’s exit may have come unexpectedly, the Tigers are hoping Jenkins’ experience will keep momentum rolling. With D-II status secured and the 2025 schedule fast approaching, all eyes will be on how Edward Waters adjusts under new leadership.