Tennessee State head coach Reggie Barlow continues to retool his coaching staff, naming a longtime HBCU assistant to a key position.
Cedric Thornton, who oversaw top SWAC defenses at Grambling, Alcorn State, and Alabama State, was named defensive coordinator Tuesday, replacing former Super Bowl winner Gregg Williams at the position.
PROMOTED! Cedric Thornton as our Defensive Coordinator! pic.twitter.com/GJuAJyvZD7
— Tennessee State Football (@TSUTigersFB) January 20, 2026
Thornton served as associate head coach and linebackers coach for Barlow last season prior to his promotion.
Thornton, a former Alabama State standout, was the mastermind of an Alcorn State defense that ranked high in several FCS categories in 2018, helping the Braves win a SWAC championship and advance to the Celebration Bowl. He was also Hue Jackson’s DC at Grambling, where he coached All-American defensive lineman Keyshawn Johnson.
Thornton’s promotion is the latest move by Barlow to retool his staff. Last week, he hired offensive coordinator Matt Leone away from North Carolina Central.