Rison era ends abruptly

After four years as head football coach of N.C. Central University and a less-than-stellar 16-22 win-loss record, Mose Rison was reassigned to other duties within the athletic department. On Monday the Rison era officially ended.

The head coach was informed of his replacement in a meeting Monday morning with Athletic Director Ingrid Wicker-McCree and Associate Athletic Director George "Bulldog" Smith.

In an interview with the Durham Herald Sun, Rison said, "She brought me in and never really gave me a reason why, other than she wanted to go in a different direction with the football program."

Rison was hired in spring 2007 after serving as interim head coach when former head coach Rod Broadway accepted a coaching job at Grambling State University.

During the 2006 season, which saw the Eagles crowned as the black college national champions, Rison was offensive coordinator and assistant head coach.

"The difference between Broadway and Rison was their leadership style," said former NCCU long snapper Oliver Jenkins. "Everybody loved Broadway. People felt like he wasn't trying to make a name for himself. He was trying to make a name for the team."

There were stirrings of a possible coaching change after back-to-back 4-7 seasons including a 23-17 overtime loss last season to arch-rival N.C. A&T.

Recently NCCU students formed a Facebook group entitled "Fire Mose Rison."

Still some students were shocked at the abrupt change in the middle of the season.

"I was shocked at when it happened, but not shocked that it happened," said sports management sophomore Joseph Watkins.

"Usually coaches are fired at the end of the season … for him to get fired mid-season it means he did a horrible job," Watkins said. "Basically it means this season meant nothing to them."

This is the second time in school history that a football coach has been replaced in the middle of the season. Robert "Stone Wall" Jackson took over for Willie Smith for the last two games of the 1977 season.

"Most of us were caught off guard by the timing, but I have all the faith in the world in Dr. Wicker and Dr. Nelms," said Dennis Ellis, vice president of the Durham chapter of the Alumni Association. "I wish coach Bullock the best of luck."

In an e-mail sent to WRAL-TV, Rison expressed his sentiments about his time at NCCU.

"I leave NCCU football with the personal satisfaction that despite tall challenges in terms of infrastructure, budget and facilities, I was blessed to lead important progress with a great group of coaches and players over the past three and a half years," the e-mail read.

The former coach also listed his accomplishments, including, he said, running a squeaky-clean program that raised the cumulative team GPA from 1.9 to 2.4 as well as impressive records against rival A&T (3-1) and homecoming opponents (3-0).

NCCU Athletic Director Ingrid Wicker-McCree released a statement Monday about the replacement.

"While we appreciate the passion and commitment that Coach Rison has shown, we feel at this time that a change in the leadership and command of our football program is needed," her statement read.

The new direction will be set by former offensive line coach Darryl Bullock, who was announced as the interim head coach Monday.

Bullock wasted no time making changes, announcing via e-mail yesterday that wide receiver coach Kwame Dixon also would assume quarterback coaching duties.

"We are going to practice fast. This should get our guys more reps and should make us more prepared for games," said Bullock during the weekly MEAC Teleconference.

There also were changes on the defensive side of the ball as outside linebacker coach Gilbert Wiggins was promoted to defensive coordinator. Former coordinator and defensive back coach Jake Cabell was assigned to handle defensive back duties only.

According to Wicker-McCree, the process to hire the next football coach will begin immediately.

"I would like to be considered for the permanent job," said Bullock. "This is a five-game audition for me and the team."

On Saturday, the Eagles will take on Bethune-Cookman University, a team that is currently undefeated after defeating two-time defending MEAC. champions South Carolina State. last week.