Grambling Fires Sammy White as Receivers Coach
First, this firing is something much deeper than the Tigers receiving corp and a perceived lack of production out of the unit. Sure, GSU had the second worst passing offense in the conference in 2009, but had the third most passing touchdowns with 14 and the sixth fewest interceptions with 11. Besides, their inability to pass seems more of a product of Greg Dillon running for his life on three out of every four plays than the receivers lack of acumen on the field.
Second, White is not only known for coaching up great receivers, but for calling solid games on offense. He held his own as OC under Melvin Spears in the mid-90′s, and was part of a championship team in 08′ that yielded 23 passing touchdowns against eight interceptions.
And finally, the SWAC Hall of Famer was likely one of several on the Tiger staff with reputable NFL scout connections. They may not be bringing in the NFL-caliber offensive talent they once did, but they are still a notable program in the Southeastern region for high schoolers.
Of the problems that led to Grambling’s 7-4 underachievement this year, the third-ranked total offense in the SWAC doesn’t seem to be one of the issues; on the surface at least.
The stats over the past few years justify his firing, but the one thing that is disparaging, as is with most black college football firings, is the vague nature in which loyal employees are cut and hung out to dry.
“The only explanation I got,” White told me today, “was that they wanted to go in a different direction with the receivers.”
Coach Rod Broadway’s Tigers are coming off a disappointing 7-4 campaign. GSU failed to win the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s Western Division title for the first time in Broadway’s three-year tenure.
He did not confirm whether his receivers coach had been let go.
“We’re in the process of doing some things,” Broadway told me. “I’m not ready to comment right now. But we’re evaluating everybody — including myself. We’ve got to get our problems fixed.”
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Pretty detailed take. Like I said, there has to be something deeper other than the output of the unit. Despite being near last in passing offense, the Tigers could still score with anyone.
Ego issues, perhaps?
It angers me to see them fire a good receiver’s coach, recruiter, and former Grambling and Minnesota Vikings great Sammy White. What is Grambling thinking about? The one who should have been fired is the Offensive Coordianator James Spady. I went to the games and the play calling was suspect. Spady should have been fired after the 49-42 lost to the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. I was in Little Rock Arkansas for the Delta Literacy Classic game. He is afraid to gamble on fourth down deep in the other teams territory. His offense did well at the Bayou Classic, but they should not look at one game in keeping him. I do not know what is going on there, Spady is normally too conservative in play calling. If Spady was at Jackson State as Offensive Coordinator, he would be history right now. J State fired James Woody as Offensive Coordiantor along with other assistants. The Jacksonians do not play about coaches. J State Head Coach Rick Comegy got rid of a problem right away. Comegy was trying to save himself.
White was a great recruiter for GSU. I hope that Coach Rod Broadway knows what he is doing. If the results do not show next season after firing White, Broadway needs to go. 7-4 record does not cut it at Grambling. I do not want to hear lame excuses from him. GSU has quarterback Greg Dillon for another season, but it is yeat to be seen. With White being let go, GSU could possibly lose out on the Northeast Louisiana area, which Grambling is located. Monroe is one of those places, which Sammy White is from. Coach Broadway should realize that this area cannot relate to them. He and his staff are from North Carolina. He brought his staff with him from North Carolina Central, which he was head football coach before going to GSU. Linebackers coach Andre Robinson is the only Grambling alumnus on the staff. He is responsible for Defensive End Chrisitan Anthony and other Birmingham, Alabama and the state of Alabama players coming to GSU. Robinson is a former Grambling great and from Birmingham, Alabama. This is the reason why many Alabama players are at GSU.
Sam Washington, the defensive secondary coach and Mississippi Valley alumnus is the other non North Carolinian coach.
I do not have a problem with his staff, but the James Spady should have been fired. This is only my take. The fans were not happy. If fans are unhappy, they will not attend the ballgames.