Alcorn State's Noah Johnson, left, shakes hands with an interviewer after he and coach Fred McNair speak to reporters during SWAC media day Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama. It’s not uncommon for a football coach in the Southwestern Athletic Conference to wind up on multiple staffs within the league. Take for instance Southern tight ends coach Fred McNair.
For seven seasons, he was a nemesis of the Jaguars by winning six of nine meetings as head coach at rival Alcorn State, including two meetings in the SWAC championship game. McNair said everything appears forgiven as he tries to help recharge a Southern offense that sputtered through the last two seasons. He and first-year offensive coordinator Mark Frederick are teaming up to make the position relevant.
“The reception has been great,” said McNair, who was hired by his old friend and Jaguars coach Terrence Graves. “Coach Graves has done a great job of making me feel comfortable. The administration, (athletic director Roman) Banks, and the relationship we have as coaches is always good as far as how we respect each other.
“The fans have been receptive. They approached me and said how great it was to have me here. I’m grateful to be here.
They’ve showed me some great eating spots. I’ve got to watch my diet.” McNair, the brother of the late NFL star Steve McNair, played quarterback at Alcorn State and made pro stops in the Canadian Football League, the WLAF and Arena Football.
He won a Grey Cup with Toronto in .