One of the most accomplished players in Jackson State football history, T.C. Taylor has risen to lead his alma mater as the 22nd Head Coach of the Tigers. A former JSU quarterback and record-setting wide receiver, Taylor officially took over the program following the 2022 Celebration Bowl and has quickly cemented his legacy as a transformative leader.
Taylor has been an integral part of Jackson State’s football resurgence since joining the staff in 2019. He coached tight ends and wide receivers during an era that saw the Tigers post a dominant 23-3 record from 2021–2022, including back-to-back Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) titles and undefeated regular seasons.
In his second season as head coach in 2024, Taylor led the Tigers to a 12–2 record and captured the HBCU National Championship with a commanding 28–7 win over South Carolina State in the Cricket Celebration Bowl. Under his leadership, JSU claimed the SWAC East Division and SWAC Championship titles, with running back Irv Mulligan earning SWAC Offensive Player of the Year honors. That season, the Tigers produced 32 All-Conference selections (SWAC and Phil Steele), 15 All-Americans, and 8 postseason all-star participants. Taylor was named HBCU Legends Coach of the Year and earned widespread postseason recognition for his accomplishments.
Taylor’s teams have also stood out statistically. In 2024, JSU ranked top 10 nationally in several NCAA categories including red zone offense (2nd), team defense (4th), scoring offense (5th), and scoring defense (6th). The Tigers finished the season ranked in over 30 key statistical categories, demonstrating elite performance on both sides of the ball.
In his debut season as head coach (2023), Taylor guided Jackson State to a second-place finish in the SWAC East Division. The Tigers led the conference in total offense (389.4 ypg) and finished top three in both rushing and passing, while also ranking among the SWAC’s best in total defense and scoring.
As an assistant coach, Taylor played a pivotal role in developing one of the most explosive wide receiver units in the conference. From 2021–2022, he coached standouts such as Malachi Wideman, Keith Corbin, Dallas Daniels, and Shane Hooks—several of whom earned All-SWAC and All-American honors. During the abbreviated Spring 2021 season, Daylen Baldwin led the SWAC in receiving yards (540) and touchdowns (7). Prior to the 2022 season, Taylor was selected for the prestigious NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Tennessee Titans.
A native of McComb, Mississippi, Taylor enjoyed a stellar playing career at Jackson State from 1998 to 2001. After beginning as a quarterback, he transitioned to wide receiver, where he set the JSU single-season record with 84 receptions for 1,234 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2001. He earned NCAA Division I-AA Third-Team All-America honors from The Sports Network and First-Team Black College All-America recognition from Sheridan Broadcasting. He was also the runner-up for the 2001 Conerly Trophy, awarded to Mississippi’s top college football player, finishing behind Eli Manning.
Following his playing career at JSU, Taylor signed with the New England Patriots as a rookie free agent in 2002. He went on to win a World Bowl championship with the Frankfurt Galaxy in NFL Europe and participated in the 2003 preseason with the Detroit Lions before an injury ended his professional playing career.
Before returning to Jackson State, Taylor built a strong coaching résumé, including successful stints at:
- North Carolina Central (2014–2018) – Offensive Coordinator/QBs Coach. Guided the Eagles to three MEAC championships and the 2016 Celebration Bowl. Coached 28 All-MEAC players, five All-Americans, and helped QB Malcolm Bell become a finalist for Black College Football Player of the Year.
- Texas Southern (2012–2013) – Wide Receivers Coach & Recruiting Coordinator.
- Coahoma Community College (2005–2011) – Offensive Coordinator. His offenses consistently ranked in the top five among Mississippi JUCOs.
Taylor earned his bachelor’s degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from Jackson State in 2005. He is married to his wife, Dawn, and they are the proud parents of two sons, Tre and Tylan.
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