HBCU notebook: Coaching carousel sparks seismic shifts across the MEAC and SWAC

“A tweet came out about [former Norfolk State head coach Larry] Vickers getting a job at Auburn,” Coppin State head coach Jermaine Woods recalled during a Zoom interview with The Next. “At that point, my entire team turned around and looked at me because they heard rumors about me leaving. And we got a game. I’m sure they saw it. And I’m like, look — I haven’t talked to nobody from Norfolk State.”

That pre-game tweet was only the first tremor.

The MEAC coaching landscape rumbled with tectonic intensity this offseason as a chain reaction of changes cracked through the conference like a fault line.

First, Morgan State’s longtime head coach Ed Davis announced his retirement on March 18 after a distinguished 33-year career. Then, on March 23, Norfolk State’s Larry Vickers — fresh off of leading the Spartans to a third straight NCAA Tournament appearance — accepted the head coaching job at Auburn.

The aftershocks didn’t stop there.

On April 4, Coppin State’s Jermaine Woods returned to his alma mater to fill the Norfolk State vacancy, completing a full-circle moment. That left both Morgan State and Coppin State with openings. Within days, each programs turned to winners from the Division II Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) ranks.

On April 9, the Bears hired Nadine Domond, who led Virginia State to consecutive 20-win seasons and the CIAA tournament championship game this past spring, as well as its first appearance in program history in the NCAA Division II tournament. Five days later, Coppin State turned to former Lincoln (Pa.) head women’s basketball coach and former Arizona State associate head coach Darrell Mosley to replace Woods. Mosley also guided Lincoln to a CIAA tournament championship game appearance and was an assistant coach on Delaware’s NCAA Tournament team in 2022.

A few weeks later, South Carolina State’s Tim Eatman resigned after three years. The Bulldogs turned to 22-year coaching veteran Cedric Baker as their next leader on May 6.

When the dust settled, four programs had shifted, sending a tsunami that reverberated across the MEAC. Now, entering the next season, half of the conference’s eight schools will have new leaders roaming the sidelines.

“Around the time we were preparing to play Cleveland State [in the second round of the WNIT], things started heating up with my agent in the talks. Then, it just happened really fast after that, after we lost to Cleveland State. Things kind of moved fast after that,” Woods explained. “I’m excited to be here. Man, it’s a dream come true. I’m born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia. My wife and I went to elementary and middle high school together here.

“To be back home and to be able to give back to the community and institution, it means the world to me,” Woods continued. “I lived across the street from this university, from my junior high school all the way through college.”

Ripple effects

There were also recruiting chain reactions for all three programs. Three Norfolk State players entered the transfer portal, including junior guards Da’Brya Clark and Anjanae Richardson. Kierra Wheeler, a two-time First Team All-MEAC selection, transferred to West Virginia. Numerous Coppin State players also entered their names into the transfer portal.

Clark didn’t learn of the tweet until after Norfolk State’s tough 82-69 season-ending setback to Maryland, when Richardson showed her. Some of Norfolk State’s managers saw it before the game. The postgame mood was expectedly somber considering the loss, but there did appear to be a sense of finality lingering in the air, knowing that this team would never be the same again, even if there wasn’t an impeding coaching change on the horizon.

Richardson recalled the moment Vickers told the team during an emotional meeting the following morning before they checked out of their hotel and returned to Norfolk. A few hours later, it was official: Vickers was the head coach at Auburn.

“Everything just happened so fast, from making it to the tournament, to playing the game, and then just finding that out right after the game was crazy,” Richardson said about learning of the coaching change. “Then just having that meeting with him in the morning. It was just hard to process and a lot on me, like it was just crazy.”

Remaining at Norfolk

Deep down, Clark and Richardson had their minds made up, even though each player received strong interest from numerous programs.

Once Woods came on board, he spoke transparently with Clark and Richardson, shared his vision, and they each withdrew from the portal — an immediate win for Woods and for the Norfolk State community. Woods had familiarity with both players since he coached against them over the last two years. He has crafted a reputation for building meaningful relationships with players and people.

“I never had intentions on leaving Norfolk State when I entered the portal,” Clark shared. “When I first came here, you could never tell me that I wouldn’t get my degree from Norfolk State. I instantly fell in love with the school when I came here for my visit. Then coming here, playing here, I fell in love with the people. Everybody from facilities to staff is like a big family. I feel like what we built at NSU is another reason why I never seen it in my plans to leave. What we have done here is uncommon.”

Clark and Richardson aren’t just preserving a championship legacy — they helped build it. As key contributors during Norfolk State’s championship years, they now return as curators of that winning standard, ready to lead from the front. The affable tandem are focused on making sure that green-and-gold remain the colors of MEAC women’s basketball royalty.

The Spartans have accumulated a couple of significant streaks they are proud of. In addition to winning 31 consecutive MEAC games, Norfolk State also holds the nation’s longest home-court winning streak, at 26. Clark and Richardson have won 57 of 68 games (83.8%) during their collegiate careers by utilizing the signature they treasure the most — their hellacious, smothering defense constructed on solid principles rather than flamboyance.

“I’m really proud of our team and what we accomplished this year,” Richardson said. “I feel like we could do it again, honestly. It wasn’t my intention to leave, either. I’m from the seven-five, and I like being at home. We didn’t know who the coach was going to be, so I wanted to explore other options and see what else was out there. When I found out Woods was coming, we had a good talk. We also felt like this [is Clark and my] third year together, and we feel like we can get three in a row together.”

Trusting the vision

Clark and Richardson have been involved in recruiting visits, helping ensure that the right people were coming in to keep the team strong. The connection, communication, and mutual commitment between Clark, Richardson, and Woods became the foundation for moving forward with purpose.

What stood out the most to Woods about Clark and Richardson was their humility. Despite being all-conference performers, both demanded Woods bring in more high-level talent, pushing for greatness rather than comfort or opportunities for personal stardom. That hunger to win again and build something lasting is the foundation of a culture they’ve helped shape, something they learned from Vickers. Now, together, the twin terrors are chasing more than just 30 wins and another NCAA tournament appearance. They’re playing for legacy.

Building a roster, learning the campus, managing the budget, and house hunting were all part of the game plan for Woods — but the toughest opponent during his Zoom call might’ve been his green Norfolk State hat. It kept slipping out of place, and even though he fidgeted with it consistently, Woods, like any good coach, continued making adjustments.

Challenging the transactional nature of the modern recruiting, Woods has been busy remaking the Spartans. Also returning for the Spartans and expected to play a key role will be Skye Robinson. Woods has already signed transfers Cire Worley and Nyah Gaston (Coppin State), Jasha Clinton (Hampton), and Jazmine Spencer (North Florida). Clinton and Spencer were double-digit scorers at their previous institutions. Worley and Gaston are familiar with Woods, who indicated he’s not done yet hitting the recruiting trail.

“Recruiting is the easy piece for me,” Woods said. “I don’t mean that in a cocky way. I’m relationship driven and that’s who I am at the core. When I first got here, I made my business to build a relationship with [AJ and Da’Brya]. They came back because they love Norfolk State. But if I came in all about myself it could have been a different story, because they could have went a multitude of places. They were able to talk to me and asked me hard questions.”

Back in Baltimore

The next chapter of the iconic Coppin State-Morgan State rivalry will feature fresh faces, as Domond and Mosley get excited to lead their respective programs. All Domond had to do was change logos, because the same orange-and-blue she took pride in at Virginia State are Morgan State’s identical colors.

Mosley is excited to lead a program again, and it’s something he’s worked for since making the hard decision to leave a championship team he built at Lincoln and move to the Division I ranks. With 15 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level, including a six-year stretch as the head women’s basketball coach at Lincoln (Pa.), Mosley played for two years at Delaware State before finishing his career at Lincoln (Pa.). In December, he was among 32 coaches nationwide selected to participate in the 2025 WBCA Next Generation Institute, an education program for experienced assistants who aspire to become collegiate head coaches.

“My goal was to get back in that head coaching seat and be able to lead,” Mosley said to The Next. “I put the work in. I’ve worked at a mid-major and Power Five, and even though it was only four years, it felt like 10. Just to be able to lead, impact, and inspire young people to chase their dreams and help them in life is something that I was passionate about.”

Your business can reach over 3 million women’s sports fans every single month!

Here at The Next and The IX, our audience is a collection of the smartest, most passionate women’s sports fans in the world. If your business has a mission to serve these fans, reach out to our team at editors@thenexthoops.com to discuss ways to work together.

Like Woods, Mosley has had to move quickly as he inherited one remaining Coppin State player, sophomore guard Mickelle Lowery, from last season’s team. Mosley had to rely on existing relationships to quickly sign five players, varying from high school recruits to junior college transfers. Another challenge he faces is following up on the 2025-26 schedule. Fortunately, the Monday, Jan. 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday Classic in Baltimore against South Carolina is set according to Coppin State officials.

Mosley is familiar with Domond through one of her assistant coaches.

“I’ve seen the success she’s had at Virginia State and just the CIAA in general,” Mosley said. “I can tell she’s a phenomenal coach. You know, the numbers don’t lie. Overall, there’s a lot of good coaches in this league. I got my hands full, you know, we got to get this thing going and going right away. Even though Larry dominated the league the last three years, the result has been you’re seeing those other programs continue to rise and get big-time transfers to come in. I am excited because it’s a league that is going to be very competitive.”

Domond’s backstory

Domond’s basketball journey is steeped in excellence and shaped by experience at the game’s highest levels. As a standout at the University of Iowa, she played under legendary Hall of Fame coach C. Vivian Stringer. She earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors and helped the Hawkeyes win the 1997 Big Ten title while making three NCAA Tournament appearances. That same year, she brought home a silver medal with the USA National Team.

She was selected 19th overall in the 1998 WNBA Draft by the New York Liberty and played for the Sacramento Monarchs.

Domond’s coaching career began in familiar territory — the MEAC — as a graduate assistant at Hampton University before being elevated to an assistant coach. From there, her path led to roles at Rutgers under her former coach, C. Vivian Stringer; at Grambling State, where she was named SWAC Coach of the Year in 2015, and later at Virginia State. Each stop reflected her passion for player development and her commitment to excellence on and off the court.

Known for her commitment to player development and a competitive, disciplined approach to the game, Domond expressed her enthusiasm about building a championship-caliber culture both on and off the court. She was influential in developing former Grambling State guard Shakyla Hill, who captivated the country with a quadruple-double in 2018.

“I believe the landscape here is wide open — there’s a blank canvas full of potential,” said Domond during her introductory press conference. “That’s what makes Morgan State such a beautiful and special place. It’s a unique opportunity to build something great, and that’s what drew me here. This University truly is a National Treasure. It’s going to be exciting basketball. We’re going to play with energy, but also be able to slow it down, execute in the half-court, and handle our business.”

Baker returning to the MEAC

Baker is no stranger to the MEAC, having previously led Savannah State during its time in the conference from 2010-19. He guided the Tigers to the 2015 MEAC Tournament title and an NCAA Tournament berth, becoming the winningest coach in program history with 262 victories across Savannah State’s Division I and II eras. Under his leadership, the Lady Tigers made two NCAA Tournament appearances and captured two Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) divisional titles, and he himself earned three Coach of the Year honors.

In total, Baker has led teams to six national tournament appearances and secured nine regular season and conference tournament championships. He’s also developed elite talent, including Savannah State’s only WNBA player and women’s basketball Olympian, Ezinne Kalu, who represents Nigeria.

Meanwhile in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Prairie View A&M and Alabama State are turning the page following the departures of two iconic figures — Sandy Pugh and Freda Freeman-Jackson — who stepped away after decades of leadership. Together, the respected coaches leave behind a legacy of excellence and a combined 52 years of service within the SWAC. Mississippi Valley State’s Jason James had the interim tag removed.

---

Order ‘Rare Gems’ and save 30%

Howard Megdal, founder and editor of The Next and The IX, released his latest book on May 7, 2024. This deeply reported story follows four connected generations of women’s basketball pioneers, from Elvera “Peps” Neuman to Cheryl Reeve and from Lindsay Whalen to Sylvia Fowles and Paige Bueckers.

If you enjoy his coverage of women’s basketball every Wednesday at The IX, you will love “Rare Gems: How Four Generations of Women Paved the Way for the WNBA.” Click the link below to order and enter MEGDAL30 at checkout.

---

Dillard returns home

New Prairie View A&M head coach Tai Dillard is returning to her Texas roots to lead the Panthers into a new era. Her basketball journey has always been rooted in passion, grit and excellence. Playing for legendary Texas coach Jody Conradt, a trailblazer in women’s basketball, Dillard was a member of the 2003 Longhorn Final Four team. Dillard played professionally with the WNBA’s San Antonio Silver Stars, the Houston Stealth of the National Women’s Basketball League, and Macabbi Tel Kabir in Israel.

Dillard rose through the collegiate ranks with stops at UTSA, USC, Ole Miss, and most recently, the University of Houston. During her time with the Cougars, she served as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator, helping lead the program to multiple WNIT appearances and mentoring standout guard Laila Blair, who broke several program records under Dillard’s guidance.

Hayes leading the Hornets

Johnetta Hayes, the sixth coach in Alabama State history, spent the 2024-25 season as an assistant coach for Rutgers University. Before Rutgers, Hayes most recently served as the head coach at UMBC. A veteran with 10 years of head coaching experience, Hayes is excited to return to the SWAC. She was the head coach at Texas Southern from 2013-19. During her tenure at Texas Southern, she posted an 83-24 SWAC record, winning 78% of her conference games with an overall record of 115-74.  She led TSU to two SWAC Regular-Season titles, one SWAC tournament title, and four overall postseason tournaments (NCAA, two WNIT and WCBI).

“I am deeply grateful to President Ross, Dr. Cable, and Dr. Lavalais for entrusting me with the incredible opportunity to lead the Alabama State women’s basketball program,” Hayes stated in a press release on the Hornets’ website. “Alabama State athletics embodies a culture of unwavering dedication, a championship-driven mindset, strong family values, and faith-based principles. It is a true honor to be part of a university that stands firmly behind such core ideals. Now is the time for us to come together, SWARMAS1, and build a legacy of championship-level success for women’s basketball.”

James ready to lead MVSU

James, who has served as the acting head coach during the recent season, has been at MVSU since 2022. Prior to his time at MVSU, Jones coached men’s and women’s basketball at Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina. Prior to Allen University, James worked for Benedict College for 15 years. 

James led MVSU to its first SWAC tournament win since the 2012-13 season. The Lady Devilettes ended the regular season with three straight victories, including a two-point thriller over last season’s SWAC tournament champion, Jackson State.

---

The Next, a 24/7/365 women’s basketball newsroom

The Next: A basketball newsroom brought to you by The IX. 24/7/365 women’s basketball coverage, written, edited and photographed by our young, diverse staff and dedicated to breaking news, analysis, historical deep dives and projections about the game we love.

---