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Commentary: A&T's Coach George Small Deserved More Time

Photo credit: A&T Register Fired coach George Small, left, "is a class act and knows football."

By Darrick Ignasiak
Black College Wire

North Carolina A&T's former head football coach, George Small, did something in 2003 that was nothing less than spectacular: As a first-year coach at A&T, he won a MEAC championship -- a rare feat for a coach taking over a program.

On Nov. 21, A&T fired Small and his staff after two losing seasons, both 3-8.

The news shocked me, as I have covered A&T football this season. The man just won a championship two years ago. This is ridiculous.

Named the 2003 MEAC Coach of the Year, Small left his job as defensive coordinator for Hampton University to take the place of Bill Hayes, who was fired after 15 years.

I had interviewed Small on numerous occasions. He is a class act and knows football.

Small, a 1979 A&T graduate, understood the job of a student journalist at A&T.

When A&T fired offensive coordinator Kent Schoolfield, I was there after a practice to speak with Small about the situation. Small recognized how hectic things were for Aggies, especially student journalists. With a grin on his face, Small said, "I once went to this school, I know how it is."

He gave me confidence and was always there when I needed to interview him about A&T football.

I understand that the football team did not produce this season, but Small is not to blame for everything. There are 45 underclassmen on the 2005 roster who have time to develop. Most were recruited during Small's tenure.

Instead, they will play for Lee Fobbs, offensive coordinator at Texas A&M, introduced Dec. 2 as A&T's new football coach.

Freshman Chaz Dawson, a Fayetteville native, is just one of those recruited by Small. In high school, Dawson recorded 48 receptions for 678 yards and 11 touchdowns. In his first year of college ball, Dawson led the team with a 23-yard average after making a reception.

He is just one player who will improve over the years and make A&T a contender in MEAC. If these players are successful, I'm sure they will credit Small with a part of it and remember who recruited them.

All athletic programs have their ups and downs; I just hope A&T will give the new coach more of a chance.

Darrick Ignasiak, a student at North Carolina A&T, writes for the A&T Register.

Posted Dec. 6, 2005