HBCU adds NFL veterans to football staff

HBCU adds NFL veterans to football staff originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

In a bold move that’s turning heads across the college football world, Central State University is betting on experience, NFL experience.

Three former NFL veterans, each with ties to elite programs and pro success, have joined the Marauders’ football staff. It’s more than just a headline. For a program with HBCU roots and championship aspirations, this shift could be the start of something real.

Here’s why it matters, and who’s leading the charge.

Brandon McKinney: The Enforcer Returns Home

A Dayton native with nearly a decade in the NFL trenches, Brandon McKinney is now coaching the next generation in his home state.

After going undrafted in 2006, McKinney carved out a tough, blue-collar career with the Chargers, Ravens, and Colts. He earned his stripes in Baltimore, anchoring the defensive line during deep playoff runs and learning from some of the league’s best defenses.

Now, he’s bringing that hard-nosed mindset to Central State as a defensive coach. His message to players is simple: “Prepare like a pro.”

McKinney’s return to Ohio isn’t just a career move. It’s personal.

Leon Washington: A Spark on the Sidelines

Leon Washington lit up fields at Florida State and in the NFL as one of the most dangerous return men of the 2000s. Now he’s lighting a fire under Central State’s offense.

As the new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Washington brings versatility, speed, and real NFL insight. Drafted in 2006 by the Jets, he went on to earn two Pro Bowl selections and totaled eight career kick return touchdowns, tied for the NFL record.

Washington’s coaching career includes a recent stint with the Jets, where he worked as a special teams assistant. He knows how to lead, and how to relate. His move to Central State puts one of the most electric minds in football right at the heart of HBCU development.

Santonio Holmes: A Super Bowl MVP with a Mission

The name needs no introduction. Santonio Holmes made one of the most iconic catches in NFL history to clinch Super Bowl XLIII for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, he’s part of a staff focused on building champions, on and off the field.

Holmes brings not just hardware, but heart. A proud Ohio native and longtime advocate for youth sports, Holmes is helping Central State tap into a legacy of discipline and performance. His leadership isn’t about fame, it’s about future.

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More Than a Coaching Staff. This is a Culture Shift

Head coach Tony Carter has made his vision clear: Central State football is rebuilding with purpose. Adding McKinney, Washington, and Holmes sends a message to recruits and rivals alike that this HBCU is serious about football.

For fans, it’s more than nostalgia. It’s momentum.

Don’t blink. This team might be next.

Related: NBA legend and HBCU trailblazer dies at 88

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.