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HBCU Legends

South Carolina State Hires K.J. Black as Offensive Coordinator & Quarterbacks Coach

Former SWAC Champion quarterback and NFL veteran coach joins the defending HBCU national champions in Orangeburg, S.C.
Kyle Mosley|
Aug 29, 2022; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA: Los Angeles Rams offensive assistant coach and Bill Walsh diversity coaching fellow K.J. Black aka KJ Black poses during training camp at Cal Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Aug 29, 2022; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA: Los Angeles Rams offensive assistant coach and Bill Walsh diversity coaching fellow K.J. Black aka KJ Black poses during training camp at Cal Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Prairie View A&M PanthersSouth Carolina State BulldogsAtlanta FalconsLos Angeles Rams

South Carolina State University has hired Kenneth "K.J." Black as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Black brings a rare combination of NFL experience and proven HBCU credentials to a Bulldogs program coming off its 2025 HBCU national championship, defeating Prairie View A&M in a 40-38 4OT thriller.  

The hire underscores Berry's success in attracting coaches with Power Four and NFL backgrounds to the HBCU level, thereby strengthening the program's competitiveness. With expertise in quarterback development at PVAMU, FAMU, and the NFL, Black is well-positioned to mentor SC State's returning playmakers as the Bulldogs prepare to defend their MEAC title and Celebration Bowl crown in 2026.

Black joins South Carolina State after four years in the NFL, most recently as an offensive assistant with the Atlanta Falcons (2024-25) and previously with the Los Angeles Rams (2022-23).

With the Falcons, Black worked with wide receiver Drake London, who posted career-best numbers in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. At the Rams, Black contributed to quarterback Matthew Stafford's Pro Bowl season.

Before the NFL, Black was co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Florida A&M (2019, 2021), helping the Rattlers win 18 games in those two seasons under Willie Simmons.

In Black's first year at FAMU, quarterback Ryan Stanley improved significantly, earning MEAC Offensive Player of the Year as the Rattlers' passing offense excelled.

Prior to FAMU, Black spent eight years at Prairie View A&M: first as graduate assistant (2011–14), then as passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach (2015–17), and tight ends coach (2018).

As a player, Black quarterbacked Prairie View A&M to the 2009 SWAC Championship, earning conference and national accolades.

Black's hire replaces Johnathan Williams, whose offense ranked first in the MEAC during the Bulldogs' 2025 championship season.

Looking ahead, South Carolina State opens the 2026 season against Coach Berry’s alma mater, Savannah State, on Aug. 29 at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium in Orangeburg, S.C. The following week, the Bulldogs will travel to South Florida to battle Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic on Sunday, Sept. 6.

In 2025, the Bulldogs completed a perfect 10-0 run in MEAC play and finished the season ranked No. 21 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 poll, marking their national recognition and conference excellence.

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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends. Former founder and publisher of the Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on SI 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 (Collegiate Head Coach), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Mark Ingram (NFL RB), Terron Armstead (NFL OL), Jameis Winston (NFL QB), Cam Newton (NFL QB), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Chennis Berry (Collegiate Head Coach), Johnny Jones (Collegiate Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Women's Basketball Coach), Tremaine Jackson (Collegiate Head Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (Former VP of Basketball - New Orleans 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), 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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