Michael Grant Recommended as New Southern University Men’s Basketball Head Coach

In a press conference last week, Southern University-Baton Rouge Chancellor Edward Jackson named Central State University head coach Michael Grant as his recommendation as the next men’s basketball head coach.
The Southern University Board of Supervisors will vote on final approval on May 16, during a scheduled board meeting.
If approved, Grant will replace the arguably “big shoes” of retired head coach Ben Jobe. Jobe served his second coaching stint at Southern for two seasons and had a combined 16-40 record. In his first head coaching job at Southern, he had a 193-101 record and led the Jags to the NCAA tourney four times and the NIT tournament once.
Grant had completed his seventh season with Central State, finishing 23-11. Overall, he has commanded the Marauders to a 126-94 season.
During the 2001-02 season, Grant became the fourth coach in CSU history to win 100 games and finished the season 18-13.
“I am very excited about coaching at Southern,” said Grant. “I appreciate (SU athletic director) Floyd Kerr and Chancellor Jackson for recommending me.”
The newly recommended coach was in a pool of three final candidates that were being considered by a search committee appointed by Jackson and Kerr.
Of the plethora of applicants that were examined, the committee narrowed down their choices to current SU men’s basketball assistant coach Dale Valdery, Grambling State University women’s head coach Rusty Ponton and Grant.
“I am recommending Grant because I believe that he is the person that Southern needs right now,” said Jackson during the press conference. “He has a commendable record, he is an excellent disciplinarian and has an excellent record as a coach.”
According to Jackson, Grant also has a 90% graduation rate and has not received any infractions from the NCAA.
“I want to bring a fresh start to the Southern University men’s basketball program and also bring it to one that is respectable…” Grant said.