A Statement on the Departure of Coach Prime

Congratulations to Jackson State University Tigers for winning their second consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference Football Championship! We are proud of their accomplishments and salute them for a perfect season.

Visit Jackson and the tourism industry were saddened to learn that Coach Deion “Prime” Sanders will no longer serve as head football coach for Jackson State University. The impact that his presence and success have had on the student-athletes, the entire university community, the City With Soul, the State of Mississippi, the SWAC, the HBCU Sports environment, and beyond is invaluable.

However, that is a tenant of authentic leadership … “leaving something better than you found it,” and he has done that. Thank you, Coach Prime.

The hospitality industry will continue to stand with JSU President Thomas Hudson, Esq., the Athletic Director, Ashley Robinson, and the JSU family as they identify the next head football coach. In their charge to continue to capitalize and build upon the momentum and legacy that Coach Prime has established, the City With Soul still believes.

Rickey L. Thigpen, PhD
President & CEO
Visit Jackson