NASHVILLE — Tennessee State University head football coach Reggie Barlow announced the promotion of Cedric Thornton to defensive coordinator. Thornton will continue to serve in his role as associate head coach while leading the Tigers' defense.

Thornton played a key role in Tennessee State's defensive success last season, highlighted by linebacker James Stewart earning All-OVC-Big South First Team honors. Stewart finished the year with 68 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss for 65 yards, six sacks, three forced fumbles and four pass breakups, ranking among the conference's most disruptive defensive players. He placed eighth in sacks, fifth in tackles for loss yards, fifth in total tackles for loss, second in tackles for loss per game (1.46) and tied for third in forced fumbles.

A veteran coach with more than two decades of experience, Thornton joined the TSU staff ahead of the 2025 season as associate head coach and linebackers coach. His resume includes stops as defensive tackles coach and special teams coordinator at Alabama A&M, as well as defensive coordinator roles at Grambling State and Alcorn State, where his units consistently ranked among the most productive defenses in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

During his time at Grambling State under former TSU head coach Hue Jackson, Thornton mentored standout defensive end Sundiata Anderson, who earned multiple SWAC and national honors, and coached freshman defensive lineman Keyshawn Johnson, a 2023 Stats Perform FCS Freshman All-American.

Thornton previously helped lead Alcorn State to two SWAC championships and two Celebration Bowl appearances. Promoted to assistant head coach in 2019, he oversaw a Braves defense that ranked among the FCS leaders in interceptions (21), turnovers gained (36), fumbles recovered (15) and red zone defense (.689). In 2018, Alcorn led the nation in sacks (4.0 per game) and tackles for loss (9.5 per game), while finishing in the top 10 nationally in rushing defense, total defense and red zone efficiency.

He also served as defensive coordinator at Alabama State, where his 2014 defense ranked among the top 15 nationally in scoring defense, passing defense and total takeaways. That unit held seven opponents under 20 points and recorded the program's first official shutout since 1994.

Thornton's coaching career also includes stops at Texas Southern and in the high school ranks in Montgomery, Alabama, and Jacksonville, Florida. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, he played collegiately at Alabama State from 1991 to 1995.

In his expanded role, Thornton will oversee all defensive operations while continuing to provide leadership and guidance as associate head coach.