Hampton University Head Football Coach Joe Taylor Appointed Interim AD

Hampton, Va. – Coach Joe Taylor has been appointed interim athletic director at Hampton University, HU President William R. Harvey announced today. While serving as interim athletic director, Taylor will also continue as head football coach a position he has held for 13 years.

“Coach Taylor is an accomplished football coach and leader,” Harvey said. “He is well organized, disciplined, and stresses character building and integrity. We are confident that our athletics program will continue its winning tradition during this transition.”

The winningest coach in Hampton University football history, Taylor has reached peaks never before seen by the Pirate program. Since his arrival, he has guided the Pirates to three Black College Championships, six conference titles, a Heritage Bowl Championship and five trips to the NCAA playoffs. Taylor was appointed assistant athletics director in January.

“Working at Hampton has afforded us many successes,” Taylor said. “I am honored that the administration has this much confidence in me. We have great coaches, outstanding student athletes, and dedicated faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the University. I look forward to working with all of them to continue the rich athletics tradition at Hampton.”

In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Taylor has been involved at the national level for many years. The 2001 President of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), he is the chairman of the AFCA minority Issues Committee and the Board of Directors of the American Football Coaches Foundation. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Black Coaches Association and the Citizens Unity Commission of the City of Hampton.


During this interim period, Taylor will be supported by a strong staff. The University announced the promotion of Keshia Campbell to the position of associate athletic director for administration and senior women’s administrator.