House Resolution 31

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING HEAD COACH T.C. TAYLOR UPON BEING NAMED THE 2024 SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SWAC) COACH OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, the Mississippi House of Representatives is proud to recognize and commend outstanding individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields, particularly in collegiate athletics, where leadership, perseverance and skill mold the next generation of student-athletes; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach T.C. Taylor, in just his second season leading the Jackson State University (JSU) Tigers football program, has been named the 2024 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Coach of the Year, a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional leadership and coaching acumen; and

WHEREAS, under Coach Taylor's guidance, the Jackson State Tigers finished the 2024 football season with an impressive 12-2 overall record and an unblemished 8-0 record in SWAC conference play, securing a dominant presence in the conference and continuing a tradition of excellence for JSU football, which culminated in the 2024 SWAC Championship and the 2024 National HBCU Football Championship; and

WHEREAS, Coach Taylor's strategic leadership led Jackson State to national prominence, with the team ranking among the best in the country in multiple statistical categories, including first in red zone offense, second in winning percentage, fourth in fourth-down conversion percentage and within the top ten in total defense, scoring offense and multiple other metrics; and

WHEREAS, a proud alumnus of Jackson State University, Coach Taylor's journey from standout quarterback and wide receiver for the Tigers to his ascension as the 22nd head coach of the program is a testament to his deep-rooted commitment and passion for his alma mater; and

WHEREAS, Coach Taylor has been instrumental in the continued resurgence of Jackson State football, serving on the Tigers' coaching staff since 2019 and playing a vital role in the program's back-to-back Southwestern Athletic Conference championships and consecutive undefeated conference seasons; and

WHEREAS, his coaching career spans more than two decades, including impactful tenures at North Carolina Central University, Texas Southern University and Coahoma Community College, where he consistently developed elite talent and championship-caliber teams; and

WHEREAS, Coach Taylor's influence extends beyond the gridiron, as he has mentored and developed student-athletes who have excelled both academically and athletically, with several of his protégés going on to earn professional football opportunities and other significant accolades; and

WHEREAS, Coach Taylor's excellence has not gone unnoticed on a national level, as he has been named a finalist for the prestigious Eddie Robinson Award, which recognizes the National Coach of the Year in Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) play; and

WHEREAS, his unwavering dedication to the success of Jackson State football and his commitment to fostering a culture of discipline, excellence and sportsmanship make him a shining example of leadership within collegiate athletics; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor great Mississippians who contribute to the legacy of athletic excellence in the state and inspire the next generation of student-athletes and leaders:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Head Coach T.C. Taylor upon being named the 2024 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Coach of the Year and extend best wishes for continued success in his career and future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach T.C. Taylor, the President of Jackson State University, the Commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.