Report: Former Miami, NFL legend Ed Reed to be next head coach at Bethune-Cookman

Former Miami star safety and NFL legend Ed Reed will be the next head coach at Bethune-Cookman, according to Brett McMurphy of The Action Network. Reed had been on the football staff at his alma mater in an advisory role and as “Chief of Staff,” but was never an on-field coach.

Reed has NFL assistant coaching experience, spending a number of seasons coaching defensive backs for the Buffalo Bills until he was not retained when Sean McDermott was hired as head coach.

Bethune-Cookman, a HBCU in Daytona Beach, Florida, has struggled to find success in recent years after joining the SWAC. Previous head coach Reggie Theus posted just a 31% win rate.

And it seems Bethune-Cookman may have taken a dose of inspiration from fellow SWAC school Jackson State, which was put in the national spotlight — and had immense on-field success — with the hiring of Deion Sanders as head coach.

No matter what, it’s a big swing on a big name for Bethune-Cookman, as Reed brings minimal coaching experience but immense potential as a figurehead for the program.

Reed was previously offered the Grambling State head coach position

Before hiring their new head coach, Hue Jackson, Grambling initially offered the position to Reed, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.

Reed was reportedly the school’s first choice, even though he has limited coaching experience. Grambling reportedly made a comprehensive package offer to Reed. It was one he strongly considered before deciding the timing was not right for him, according to reports. Reed was in the middle of helping Miami navigate their transition of power from Manny Diaz to Mario Cristobal.

He spent time with the Buffalo Bills coaching staff in the past and was the chief of staff on Diaz’ staff with the Hurricanes after his highly-successful NFL career.