Former HBCU Coach, Current NFL Head Coach Earns College Degree

It may have taken many years, but former HBCU coach and current NFL head coach Todd Bowles kept his promise to his departed mother, Joan. Bowles, 59, graduated from Mount St. Mary's University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in youth and community development on May 13.

Bowles received his first assistant defensive coordinator and secondary coaching job at Morehouse College under his friend and Washington teammate Doug Williams. Later, he followed Williams to coach at Grambling State University until receiving an offer to coach the secondary of the New York Jets in 2000.

He addressed his fellow Class of 2023 graduates, saying his graduation "is an amazing thing for me to be in the class with you." He continued, "I'm more nervous now than I ever was speaking in front of the locker room at halftime." Todd Bowles said his mother's request was for him to "make sure I got my degree." His mother died in 2009, and nearly 14 years later, Bowles walked across the stage at Mount St. Mary's University to accept his college diploma.

"You're never too old to stop learning."

HC Todd Bowles shared a personal message & wise words with the Class of 2023 at @MSMU 🗣 https://t.co/HAz946pnSN pic.twitter.com/97fpEuXGqW
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) May 13, 2023

Before becoming the head coach of the New York Jets in 2015, Bowles worked as an assistant coach and in front-office positions for several years.

Todd Bowles has achieved the ultimate success by winning multiple Super Bowl rings. He first won as a player for Washington in Super Bowl XXII, then as an executive for the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXI, and most recently as the defensive coordinator for Tampa Bay in Super Bowl LV.

In the 1986 NFL Draft out of Temple University, Bowles was an undrafted player who signed a free-agent contract with Washington. He played for head coach Joe Gibbs in Washington from 1986-1990. During his tenure, Bowles befriended Super Bowl XXII MVP Doug Williams, who gave him his first shot as a collegiate coach. Bowles had 117 game appearances, started 68 contests, snagged 15 interceptions, and recovered seven fumbles. His NFL record as a head coach is 34-51.

Published May 29, 2023

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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