Heishma Northern head coach for the Panthers said, a head coach for college football is like a father figure or administrator.
Former head coach Henry Frazier accelerated the Panthers to obtain the SWAC title for the first time since 1964. After serving seven years as head coach, Frazier resigned, leaving a legacy as the second most successful head coach in PVAMU history; currently Frazier is the new head coach of the North Carolina Central State Eagles.
Former defensive coordinator Northern obtained the position as head coach. He has been coaching at the collegiate-level for 14 years and was the previous running back and special teams’ coordinator of Morehouse College. Also, he was the previous running back, quarter back, special teams’ coordinator, defensive backs, and defensive coordinator of Grambling State University throughout his coaching career.
In reference to achievements, Northern has acquired four SWAC Championships in his coaching career and was named the 2008 Division I-AA ccordinator of the year by the footballscoop website. This will be Northern’s first time as a head coach for a college football team. “I’m excited for the chance to finally become a head coach after all these years, but nervous now that there is a lot resting on my shoulders in terms of expectations and the university,” said Northern.
Northern appears to be very content with the way things are and does not plan to change much now that he is in charge. He said “what I do plan to change is the way we travel and update the facilities such as the locker room, weight room, and the field. Also, I want to win, I think a lot of people look at it as the end of the world because Frazier is gone and K.J. and Babers won’t be returning. And it’s not: We set up to have a good team.”
The fans and players of the PVAMU Panthers can look forward to what will be an exciting season. Positions are up for grabs now that former players have moved on to the next step in their lives, which sends out stiff competition for the remaining players to step up and take charge. The best man will get the job”, says Northern.
Light will shine on the team and Northern in mid April when the Panthers show off their new offense and skills in the spring game which will be held at the BlackShear Stadium.