In a shocking turn of events, Hall of Fame Safety Ed Reed will not be the Head Coach of the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats. Reed was emotional in a 15-minute speech to both players and parents announcing he would not be the next Head Coach of the program. Negotiations broke down and Reed has accused the University of not honoring the agreement they had in principle. Reed still hopes to be a coach at the college football level at some point, but it seems that for now, it will have to wait.
Bethune-Cookman students are protesting in support of Ed Reed and his comments about the facilities at the school. Students were chanting for administrators to step down @fox35orlando pic.twitter.com/RK7YPlHkLO
— Dave Puglisi (@DavePuglisiTV) January 23, 2023
In his speech to players and parents, Ed Reed said the following: “We’ve been around here trying to change things. My vision for change, probably moving too fast for a lot of people. I’m not withdrawing my name, as they said. They don’t want me here. They do not want me here because I tell the truth.”
Reed also tweeted out the following announcement after the speech: “After weeks of negotiations I’ve been informed that the University won’t be ratifying my contract and won’t make good on the agreement we had in principle, which had provisions and resources best needed to support the student-athletes. I was committed to coaching and cultivating a relationship with the University, Players, Community, and the Fans. It’s extremely disappointing this won’t be happening.”
It is unclear if the University will change its mind with players actively protesting. Finding a new Head Coach could prove to be difficult this late in the offseason and Ed Reed clearly has the passion and desire for the job. We here at Def Pen Sports will update the story if something changes.
