Edward Waters Shakes Up Football Staff as Head Coach Toriano Morgan Departs, Brian Jenkins Steps In

Edward Waters College is heading into the 2025 soccer season with a significant teaching change.

Head coach Toriano Morgan has formally stepped down from his place, accepting a task as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Tennessee State College. The transfer comes simply forward of the autumn marketing campaign and fewer than a month after Morgan represented the Tigers at SIAC Media Day. Morgan cited private causes for the sudden change, although his new alternative at TSU—the place he starred as a large receiver—marks a full-circle second in his teaching profession.

Morgan was employed in 2021 to steer Edward Waters throughout its transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division II. Over 4 seasons, he compiled an 18–24 document, serving to shift this system’s tradition and competitiveness. In 2023, he led EWU to a 6–4 season—the varsity’s first profitable soccer document in over 20 years. That very same 12 months, the group earned its highest-ever HBCU nationwide rating, climbing to No. 8.

Morgan’s departure leaves a major void, however the Tigers aren’t losing time. EWU has named veteran coach Brian Jenkins Sr. as interim head coach for the 2025 season. Jenkins, who had been serving because the group’s offensive coordinator since 2021, brings a championship pedigree to the function. He’s finest identified for his profitable tenure at Bethune-Cookman College, the place he racked up 4 MEAC championships and a 46–14 document from 2010 to 2014. His 2012 squad completed an ideal 8–0 within the MEAC and earned him convention Coach of the Yr honors.

Ashley Conner, Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Edward Waters, expressed confidence in Jenkins taking the reins.

“We’re assured in Coach Jenkins’ capability to steer our program with integrity, self-discipline, and imaginative and prescient,” Conner stated. “We’re excited concerning the management he brings into this transitional chapter.”

The Tigers are getting into a pivotal 12 months. In July 2024, Edward Waters acquired full NCAA Division II membership. The college has invested closely in its athletic amenities, together with the development of a brand new on-campus stadium and the enhancement of coaching sources for student-athletes. The transfer to D-II additionally means a extra aggressive slate of opponents and elevated visibility for this system.

Jenkins will inherit a group stuffed with potential. 5 gamers had been not too long ago named to the 2025 SIAC Preseason All-Convention Crew, signaling that expertise is in place. Edward Waters opens its season on August 30 with a street matchup towards Savannah State, adopted by key dwelling video games versus Miles School and Virginia Union.

Whereas Morgan’s exit might have come unexpectedly, the Tigers are hoping Jenkins’ expertise will preserve momentum rolling. With D-II standing secured and the 2025 schedule quick approaching, all eyes can be on how Edward Waters adjusts beneath new management.