Greensboro, February 15, 2026
North Carolina A&T State University has undergone significant coaching staff changes, including the departure of outside linebackers coach Terry Lanz and recruiting coordinator Nate Poole, alongside the retirement of veteran offensive line coach Ron Mattes. These alterations are part of head coach Shawn Gibbs’s strategy to boost team competitiveness within the CAA conference. Poole has moved to rival North Carolina Central University, while Mattes leaves behind a legacy of developing players who reached the professional level. The Aggies seek a fresh start with these new staff dynamics.
Greensboro Sees Major Football Staff Changes at North Carolina A&T
Greensboro. The North Carolina A&T State University football program has announced significant coaching staff changes, with three coaches departing their roles. The athletics department confirmed on Friday, February 14, that outside linebackers coach Terry Lanz and recruiting coordinator Nate Poole were let go from their respective positions, while veteran offensive line coach Ron Mattes has retired. These adjustments come as head football coach Shawn Gibbs aims to enhance the Aggies’ competitiveness within the CAA conference.
Aggies Reshape Coaching Staff for Future Competitiveness
The departure of Ron Mattes marks the retirement of a highly regarded offensive line coach, known for mentoring numerous linemen who advanced to play professional football. Nate Poole, who previously held the role of wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator for the Aggies, has since transitioned to a position with rival North Carolina Central University. Coach Lanz’s departure also signals a strategic move to upgrade the linebacker position, which sometimes struggled against rushing offenses.
These recent staff changes follow a season in which the Aggies doubled their win total from the previous two years. Head coach Shawn Gibbs had previously indicated that such changes were imminent, emphasizing the need for coaches and players who are ready to compete and believe in immediate success, rather than waiting for future improvements. He reiterated his commitment to transforming the program, taking full responsibility for the team’s performance following a challenging season.
Coach Gibbs assumed the role of head coach in late 2024, tasked with revitalizing the Aggies’ football program after Vincent Brown was relieved of his head coaching duties. Gibbs’ appointment marked a return to North Carolina A&T, where he had previously served as an assistant coach, bringing a commitment to instill a new culture and higher standards within the team.
Broader Coaching Movements Across North Carolina and HBCU Football
Durham’s North Carolina Central University Bolsters Coaching Roster
Durham. North Carolina Central University (NCCU) football has also been active in significant coaching staff adjustments this month. On February 3, 2026, head coach Trei Oliver announced the addition of five new coaches to his staff for the upcoming 2026 season. These key hires include Chris Barnette, who joins as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, bringing a strong background from Alabama State where his offenses were noted for their potency. Tommy Thigpen has been appointed as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach, offering extensive collegiate coaching experience from his time at various institutions, including his alma mater North Carolina.
Other additions to the Eagles’ coaching staff include Grayson Reed as offensive line coach, Elijah Coleman as cornerbacks coach and recruiting coordinator, and Nate Poole, formerly with North Carolina A&T, as a respected member of the coaching staff. These strategic hires aim to further bolster NCCU’s program as it gears up for the 2026 season.
NCCU Unveils 2026 Football Schedule
Further solidifying its preparations, North Carolina Central University unveiled its 2026 football schedule on February 11, 2026. The upcoming season will feature six home games, a first for the Eagles since the 2017 season. A highlight of the schedule is the 98th installment of the historic Aggie-Eagle Classic, where NCCU will host North Carolina A&T in Durham on September 12. North Carolina Central has established a notable winning streak against A&T in recent years, winning four consecutive games in the rivalry.
The Eagles’ schedule also includes an opening road game against Texas Southern University, marking their first encounter in program history, and will see them face five first-year head coaches throughout the season.
HBCU Football Landscape Sees Continued Evolution
Beyond the immediate coaching changes in North Carolina, the broader Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) football community continues to see significant shifts. Bowie, Maryland. Bowie State University, for example, officially introduced Dawson Odums as its new head football coach on February 9, 2026. Odums, a veteran coach with a reputation for rebuilding programs, takes the helm at Bowie State with the goal of restoring the Bulldogs to their previous championship-winning form.
Key Coaching Personnel Changes in North Carolina Football
| University | Coach Name | Position/Role | Status/Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina A&T State University | Terry Lanz | Outside Linebackers Coach | Departed (let go) |
| North Carolina A&T State University | Nate Poole | Recruiting Coordinator / Wide Receivers Coach | Departed (let go), now with NCCU |
| North Carolina A&T State University | Ron Mattes | Offensive Line Coach | Retired |
| North Carolina Central University | Chris Barnette | Assistant Head Coach / Offensive Coordinator | New addition |
| North Carolina Central University | Tommy Thigpen | Defensive Coordinator / Safeties Coach | New addition |
| North Carolina Central University | Grayson Reed | Offensive Line Coach | New addition |
| North Carolina Central University | Elijah Coleman | Cornerbacks Coach / Recruiting Coordinator | New addition |
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