Inexperience, Miscommunication Begins at the Top For Alabama State Football

Losses are up, attendance is down, and to let some of the 16 assistant coaches that have been apart of the Alabama State University football program, the blame for these trends begins at the top with head coach Reggie Barlow.

Since the interim label was removed from Barlow’s title in May 2007, 16 other coaches have followed them out the door. Barlow fired 10 of them.

On the field, the Hornets’ play has reflected the inner turmoil.

ASU hasn’t recorded a winning season since Barlow took over — going 5-6, 3-8 and 4-7 the last three seasons. In the SWAC, where the Hornets were consistent contenders for the first half of the decade, they’ve gone just 7-16.

The lengthy article – chock full of supportive-yet-indicting quotes from former assistants with coordinator or head coaching gigs throughout the country – points out many incidents of impatience and a lack of professionalism on Barlow’s part. And while it appears most of these coaches and the ASU administration that has yet to extend his contract believe in his passion, no one is convinced that Barlow is a man who will compete for SWAC championships on the pillars of personnel management.

To be fair, Barlow did walk into a situation at Alabama State fresh off of NCAA violations and penalties, limited scholarships, and very little institutional support. While there is excitement around the program, and patience for its return to SWAC championship potential, the infrastructure is a major factor in why things aren’t going right for the Hornets.

And if that infrastructure continues to stand by a man not fit for the position, well, you just can’t blame Barlow for keeping a job.

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