James Carson (American football) facts for kids
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 25, 1940 Clarksdale, Mississippi |
| Died | October 7, 1999 (aged 59) Jackson, Mississippi |
| Playing career | |
| c. 1959–1962 | Jackson State |
| Position(s) | Offensive guard and nose tackle |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1963–1964 | Rust (assistant) |
| 1965–1967 | Alabama A&M (assistant) |
| 1968–1974 | South Carolina State (assistant) |
| 1975–1976 | South Carolina State (DC) |
| 1979–1991 | Jackson State (DC) |
| 1992–1998 | Jackson State |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 54–25–1 |
| Tournaments | 0–3 (NCAA D-I-AA playoffs) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| 1 black college national (1996) 2 SWAC (1995–1996 |
|
James "Big Daddy" Carson Jr. (born February 25, 1940 – died October 7, 1999) was a well-known American football coach. He led the football team at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. He was the head coach from 1992 to 1998. During his time, his team, the Jackson State Tigers, won 54 games, lost 25, and tied 1.
Under Coach Carson, the Jackson State Tigers achieved great success. They won a special award called the black college football national championship in 1996. They also won the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship two years in a row, in 1995 and 1996. His teams even made it to the NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship playoffs for three years straight, from 1995 to 1997.
Early Life and Playing Days
James Carson was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He was a talented football player himself. He played college football at Jackson State University. He played two important positions: offensive guard and nose tackle.
In 1962, he was recognized for his skills. He received an honorable mention from the NAIA. His son, Ricardo, also played football for Jackson State from 1991 to 1994.
Coaching Career Highlights
Coach Carson had a long and successful coaching career. He started as an assistant coach at several universities. He coached at Rust from 1963 to 1964. Then he moved to Alabama A&M from 1965 to 1967.
Later, he spent many years at South Carolina State. He was an assistant coach there from 1968 to 1974. From 1975 to 1976, he became the defensive coordinator for the team. This meant he was in charge of the team's defense.
He returned to Jackson State in 1979. He served as their defensive coordinator until 1991. In 1992, he became the head coach. He led the team for seven seasons, until 1998.
Later Life and Legacy
Coach Carson stepped down from his coaching role in May 1999. He had to leave due to health reasons. Judge Hughes took over as the new head coach.
James Carson passed away on October 7, 1999. He died at his home in Jackson, Mississippi. He is remembered as a great coach who brought much success to Jackson State football.
