K.J. Black Joins South Carolina State as OC in Key Coaching Move

South Carolina State head coach Chennis Berry has made a significant staffing move aimed at strengthening the program’s pursuit of another Celebration Bowl title, hiring veteran coach and former NFL assistant K.J. Black as the Bulldogs’ new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. The decision comes as the program continues to build on its recent dominance within the MEAC.

Black replaces former offensive coordinator Johnathan Williams, who departed South Carolina State to join the Seattle Seahawks coaching staff. The transition marks a key adjustment for a Bulldogs team that has relied heavily on offensive continuity during its recent rise.

The hire reflects both continuity and ambition, as South Carolina State seeks to maintain one of the most consistent programs in HBCU football over the past two seasons. Offensive stability has been central to that success, making the coordinator position particularly important.

With Black now in place, the Bulldogs are positioning themselves to preserve their competitive edge while integrating a coach with both HBCU roots and NFL-level experience.

1. Playing Career and Early Coaching Foundations

Before entering coaching, K.J. Black built his reputation as a standout quarterback at Prairie View A&M, where he played a key role in one of the program’s successful SWAC campaigns. His 2009 season remains a highlight, as he guided the Panthers to a conference championship run. That year, Black threw for 2,033 yards and 22 touchdowns against just four interceptions while completing 70% of his passes. He also added four rushing touchdowns, showcasing dual-threat ability and command of the offense. Following his playing career, Black transitioned into coaching with Prairie View A&M, beginning as a graduate assistant before steadily advancing through multiple offensive roles. His early development in coaching mirrored his disciplined approach as a player. He eventually took on responsibilities as passing game coordinator, quarterbacks coach, and tight ends coach, building a foundation in offensive system design and player development.

2. HBCU Leadership and NFL Experience

Black’s coaching trajectory expanded further when he joined Florida A&M under head coach Willie Simmons. There, he served in multiple roles, including passing game coordinator and co-offensive coordinator, helping shape one of the stronger offensive units in HBCU football. His time with the Rattlers further solidified his reputation as a developer of quarterbacks and an architect of structured passing attacks. The experience also reinforced his familiarity with high-level HBCU competition. Black later made the jump to the NFL, joining the Los Angeles Rams as an offensive assistant. That opportunity exposed him to professional-level systems, game planning, and personnel management. He also spent time with the Atlanta Falcons as an offensive assistant, further broadening his experience across NFL coaching environments before returning to the college ranks.

3. South Carolina State’s Continued Rise

Black now joins a South Carolina State program that has established itself as one of the most dominant forces in HBCU football under Berry’s leadership. Since 2024, the Bulldogs have remained unbeaten in MEAC play, underscoring their consistency within the conference. The program has also been highly competitive in broader HBCU matchups, with only two losses since Berry took over in 2024—both occurring during his first season against Florida A&M and Jackson State. Since then, the Bulldogs have maintained a strong upward trajectory. Offensive production has been a central factor in that success, making the coordinator role especially critical. Black’s background in quarterback development and offensive coordination aligns with the team’s established identity. As South Carolina State prepares for another season with championship expectations, the addition of Black is seen as a move designed to preserve continuity while potentially elevating the offense even further.