Tony Ezell is an American football coach and former player. He is the head coach of the Alcorn State University Braves football team. Ezell played college football at the University of Mississippi, where he was a two-time All-American. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 1991 NFL Draft and played for the Bengals for two seasons.
Ezell began his coaching career at Alcorn State in 2002. He was named the head coach in 2010. Under Ezell's leadership, Alcorn State has won two SWAC championships (2014 and 2018) and has made three FCS playoff appearances. Ezell is known for his high-powered offenses and his ability to develop quarterbacks. He has coached several quarterbacks who have gone on to play in the NFL, including Steve McNair, Quinn Gray, and Lenorris Footman.
Ezell is a respected figure in the coaching community. He is a member of the American Football Coaches Association and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. He has also served on the NCAA Football Rules Committee.
Tony Ezell
Tony Ezell is a highly respected and successful football coach. He has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks and winning championships. Here are eight key aspects of his coaching career:
- Leadership: Ezell is a strong leader who has the respect of his players and staff.
- High-Powered Offenses: Ezell's teams are known for their high-scoring offenses.
- Quarterback Development: Ezell has a knack for developing quarterbacks.
- SWAC Championships: Ezell has won two SWAC championships as head coach of Alcorn State.
- FCS Playoff Appearances: Ezell has led Alcorn State to three FCS playoff appearances.
- NFL Quarterbacks: Ezell has coached several quarterbacks who have gone on to play in the NFL.
- Coaching Community: Ezell is a respected figure in the coaching community.
- NCAA Involvement: Ezell has served on the NCAA Football Rules Committee.
These key aspects highlight Ezell's success as a coach. He is a leader who knows how to develop quarterbacks and win championships. He is also a respected figure in the coaching community and has served on the NCAA Football Rules Committee.
1. Leadership
Leadership is a key component of Tony Ezell's success as a coach. He is able to motivate his players and staff to achieve their goals. Ezell's players respect him because he is fair, demanding, and always has their best interests at heart. His staff respects him because he is a knowledgeable coach who is always willing to help them develop.
Ezell's leadership has been instrumental in Alcorn State's success on the field. He has led the Braves to two SWAC championships and three FCS playoff appearances. Ezell's teams are known for their high-powered offenses and their ability to develop quarterbacks. Several of Ezell's quarterbacks have gone on to play in the NFL, including Steve McNair, Quinn Gray, and Lenorris Footman.
Ezell's leadership is also evident in his involvement in the coaching community. He is a member of the American Football Coaches Association and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. He has also served on the NCAA Football Rules Committee. Ezell is a respected figure in the coaching community and his leadership is an important part of his success.
2. High-Powered Offenses
Tony Ezell's teams are known for their high-powered offenses. This is due in part to Ezell's offensive philosophy, which emphasizes passing the ball and scoring points. Ezell's teams typically average over 30 points per game, and they have ranked among the top FCS offenses in several seasons.
Ezell's offenses are also known for their ability to develop quarterbacks. Ezell has coached several quarterbacks who have gone on to play in the NFL, including Steve McNair, Quinn Gray, and Lenorris Footman. Ezell's quarterbacks are known for their ability to make plays with their arm and their legs, and they are often able to lead their teams to big wins.
The high-powered offenses that Ezell's teams play are a major part of his success as a coach. They allow his teams to score points in bunches and put pressure on their opponents. Ezell's offenses are also exciting to watch, and they have helped to make Alcorn State one of the most popular FCS teams in the country.
3. Quarterback Development
Tony Ezell is known for his ability to develop quarterbacks. He has coached several quarterbacks who have gone on to play in the NFL, including Steve McNair, Quinn Gray, and Lenorris Footman. Ezell's quarterbacks are known for their ability to make plays with their arm and their legs, and they are often able to lead their teams to big wins.
- Teaching Fundamentals
Ezell starts by teaching his quarterbacks the fundamentals of the game. This includes everything from footwork to throwing mechanics. Ezell believes that a strong foundation is essential for success at the quarterback position.
- Developing Leadership Skills
Ezell also works to develop leadership skills in his quarterbacks. He believes that quarterbacks need to be able to lead their teams both on and off the field. Ezell gives his quarterbacks opportunities to lead in a variety of settings, such as team meetings and practices.
- Providing Game Experience
Ezell believes that the best way to develop quarterbacks is to give them game experience. He starts his quarterbacks as early as possible and gives them plenty of opportunities to play. Ezell also provides his quarterbacks with feedback after each game, so they can learn from their mistakes and improve their play.
- Building Relationships
Ezell builds strong relationships with his quarterbacks. He gets to know them on a personal level and understands their strengths and weaknesses. Ezell is always willing to help his quarterbacks improve, both on and off the field.
Tony Ezell's ability to develop quarterbacks is a major reason for his success as a coach. He has a proven track record of helping quarterbacks reach their full potential. Ezell's quarterbacks are known for their leadership, poise, and ability to make plays. They are also known for their winning ways. Ezell's quarterbacks have led their teams to numerous championships, including two SWAC championships and three FCS playoff appearances.
4. SWAC Championships
Tony Ezell's success as a coach is evident in his two SWAC championships as head coach of Alcorn State. The SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) is a Division I FCS conference that includes 12 member schools. Winning a SWAC championship is a significant accomplishment, and it is a testament to Ezell's coaching ability.
Ezell's first SWAC championship came in 2014. That season, Alcorn State went 9-3 overall and 7-2 in conference play. The Braves defeated Grambling State 49-21 in the SWAC Championship Game. Alcorn State's second SWAC championship came in 2018. That season, the Braves went 10-2 overall and 8-1 in conference play. Alcorn State defeated Southern 30-24 in the SWAC Championship Game.
Ezell's success in the SWAC is due in part to his ability to develop quarterbacks. He has coached several quarterbacks who have gone on to play in the NFL, including Steve McNair, Quinn Gray, and Lenorris Footman. Ezell's quarterbacks are known for their ability to make plays with their arm and their legs, and they are often able to lead their teams to big wins.
Winning SWAC championships is important for Tony Ezell and Alcorn State for several reasons. First, it is a sign of success. Winning a championship means that a team has been able to consistently perform at a high level throughout the season. Second, winning championships can help to attract recruits. Top recruits want to play for winning programs, and Alcorn State's success under Ezell has helped to make the school more attractive to recruits.
Tony Ezell's success in the SWAC is a testament to his coaching ability. He has built a winning program at Alcorn State, and he has helped to develop some of the top quarterbacks in the country. Ezell's success is an inspiration to his players, his staff, and the entire Alcorn State community.
5. FCS Playoff Appearances
Tony Ezell's success as a coach is further evident in his three FCS playoff appearances as head coach of Alcorn State. The FCS playoffs are a single-elimination tournament that determines the national champion of Division I FCS football. Appearing in the FCS playoffs is a significant accomplishment, and it is a testament to Ezell's coaching ability.
- Elite Competition
The FCS playoffs are a highly competitive tournament, and Alcorn State's three appearances under Ezell are a sign of the team's success. Alcorn State has faced some of the top teams in the FCS in the playoffs, including North Dakota State, James Madison, and Eastern Washington.
- National Recognition
Appearing in the FCS playoffs gives Alcorn State national recognition. The playoffs are televised on ESPN, and they are followed by fans all across the country. Alcorn State's success in the playoffs has helped to raise the profile of the school and the SWAC.
- Recruiting Advantage
Success in the FCS playoffs can also help Alcorn State to recruit top players. Top recruits want to play for winning programs, and Alcorn State's success under Ezell has helped to make the school more attractive to recruits.
Tony Ezell's success in the FCS playoffs is a testament to his coaching ability. He has built a winning program at Alcorn State, and he has helped to lead the Braves to some of the biggest wins in school history. Ezell's success is an inspiration to his players, his staff, and the entire Alcorn State community.
6. NFL Quarterbacks
Tony Ezell's ability to develop quarterbacks is one of the key factors in his success as a coach. He has coached several quarterbacks who have gone on to play in the NFL, including Steve McNair, Quinn Gray, and Lenorris Footman. These quarterbacks have all had successful NFL careers, and they have helped to raise the profile of Alcorn State football.
There are several reasons why Ezell is able to develop quarterbacks so well. First, he has a deep understanding of the quarterback position. He knows what it takes to be successful at the NFL level, and he is able to teach his quarterbacks the skills they need to succeed. Second, Ezell is a great motivator. He is able to get his quarterbacks to believe in themselves and to reach their full potential. Third, Ezell is a master of scheme design. He knows how to create an offensive system that will maximize his quarterbacks' strengths and minimize their weaknesses.
Ezell's success in developing NFL quarterbacks is a major benefit to Alcorn State football. It helps the Braves to attract top recruits, and it raises the profile of the program. Additionally, Ezell's quarterbacks have helped Alcorn State to achieve success on the field. The Braves have won two SWAC championships and made three FCS playoff appearances under Ezell's leadership.
Ezell's success in developing NFL quarterbacks is a testament to his coaching ability. He is one of the best quarterback coaches in the country, and he has helped Alcorn State football become a force to be reckoned with.
7. Coaching Community
Tony Ezell is a respected figure in the coaching community because of his success as a coach and his commitment to developing young athletes. He has won two SWAC championships and made three FCS playoff appearances as head coach of Alcorn State. He has also coached several quarterbacks who have gone on to play in the NFL, including Steve McNair, Quinn Gray, and Lenorris Footman.
Ezell's success as a coach is due in part to his ability to build relationships with his players and his staff. He is known for his integrity and his commitment to helping his players succeed on and off the field. Ezell is also a member of the American Football Coaches Association and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. He has also served on the NCAA Football Rules Committee.
Ezell's involvement in the coaching community is important because it allows him to share his knowledge and experience with other coaches. He is a resource for other coaches, and he is always willing to help them improve their programs. Ezell's involvement in the coaching community also helps to promote the game of football and to develop future leaders.
The coaching community is a valuable resource for Tony Ezell and other coaches. It provides them with opportunities to learn from each other, to share ideas, and to develop their skills. The coaching community also helps to promote the game of football and to develop future leaders.
8. NCAA Involvement
Tony Ezell's involvement with the NCAA Football Rules Committee is a significant component of his coaching career. The NCAA Football Rules Committee is responsible for developing and interpreting the rules for college football. Ezell's involvement with the committee gives him a unique opportunity to influence the game of football at the highest level.
Ezell's involvement with the NCAA Football Rules Committee has also helped him to develop his coaching philosophy. He has learned from some of the top minds in the game, and he has been able to implement some of their ideas into his own coaching. This has helped him to become a more effective coach, and it has helped Alcorn State football to achieve success.
Ezell's involvement with the NCAA Football Rules Committee is also important for the game of football as a whole. He is able to provide input on the rules of the game, and he can help to ensure that the rules are fair and equitable. This helps to protect the integrity of the game, and it helps to make the game more enjoyable for everyone involved.
FAQs about Tony Ezell
Tony Ezell is a successful college football coach who has won two SWAC championships and made three FCS playoff appearances. He is also a respected figure in the coaching community and has served on the NCAA Football Rules Committee. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Tony Ezell:
Question 1: What is Tony Ezell's coaching philosophy?Tony Ezell's coaching philosophy is based on developing his players on and off the field. He believes in building strong relationships with his players and staff, and he is committed to helping them reach their full potential.
Question 2: What are Tony Ezell's strengths as a coach?Tony Ezell's strengths as a coach include his ability to develop quarterbacks, his leadership skills, and his commitment to his players. He is also a master of scheme design and knows how to create an offensive system that will maximize his quarterbacks' strengths and minimize their weaknesses.
Question 3: What are Tony Ezell's accomplishments as a coach?Tony Ezell's accomplishments as a coach include winning two SWAC championships and making three FCS playoff appearances. He has also coached several quarterbacks who have gone on to play in the NFL, including Steve McNair, Quinn Gray, and Lenorris Footman.
Question 4: What is Tony Ezell's involvement in the coaching community?Tony Ezell is a respected figure in the coaching community and is a member of the American Football Coaches Association and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. He has also served on the NCAA Football Rules Committee.
Question 5: What is Tony Ezell's role on the NCAA Football Rules Committee?Tony Ezell's role on the NCAA Football Rules Committee is to help develop and interpret the rules for college football. He provides input on the rules of the game and helps to ensure that the rules are fair and equitable.
Question 6: What is Tony Ezell's legacy as a coach?Tony Ezell's legacy as a coach is one of success and innovation. He has helped Alcorn State football become a force to be reckoned with, and he has developed some of the best quarterbacks in the country. Ezell is a role model for his players and his staff, and he is a credit to the coaching profession.
Tips by Tony Ezell
Tony Ezell is a successful college football coach who has won two SWAC championships and made three FCS playoff appearances. He is also a respected figure in the coaching community and has served on the NCAA Football Rules Committee. Here are five tips from Tony Ezell that can help you become a better coach or player:
Tip 1: Build Strong RelationshipsEzell believes that building strong relationships with players is essential for success. He makes an effort to get to know his players on a personal level and to understand their strengths and weaknesses. This helps him to create a positive and supportive environment where players can thrive.
Tip 2: Develop Your PlayersEzell is committed to developing his players on and off the field. He believes that players need to be well-rounded individuals in order to be successful in football and in life. He provides his players with opportunities to learn and grow, and he challenges them to reach their full potential.
Tip 3: Be a LeaderEzell is a strong leader who sets a positive example for his players. He is demanding but fair, and he always has his players' best interests at heart. He is also able to motivate his players to achieve their goals.
Tip 4: Be PreparedEzell believes that preparation is key to success. He spends countless hours studying film and preparing for his opponents. He also makes sure that his players are well-prepared for each game.
Tip 5: Never Give UpEzell is a firm believer in never giving up. He has faced many challenges in his career, but he has never given up on his dreams. He teaches his players to never give up on their dreams, no matter how difficult things may seem.
These are just a few of the many tips that Tony Ezell has to offer. If you are looking to become a better coach or player, I encourage you to follow his advice.
Summary of Key Takeaways and Benefits
- Building strong relationships with players can help to create a positive and supportive environment where players can thrive.
- Developing your players on and off the field can help them to become well-rounded individuals who are successful in football and in life.
- Being a strong leader can help to motivate your players and to achieve your goals.
- Being prepared can help you to be successful in football and in life.
- Never giving up can help you to achieve your dreams.