Cedric Thornton joined the Tennessee State University football program as associate head coach and linebackers coach ahead of the 2025 season, bringing more than two decades of coaching experience at the collegiate and high school levels.
Thornton most recently served as defensive tackles coach and special teams coordinator at Alabama A&M University, following successful defensive coordinator stints at Grambling State University and Alcorn State University. Throughout his career, he has helped build some of the most productive defenses in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
During his two seasons at Grambling State under head coach Hue Jackson, Thornton mentored standout defensive end Sundiata Anderson, who earned multiple conference and national honors, and coached defensive lineman Keyshawn Johnson, a 2023 Stats Perform FCS Freshman All-American selection.
Prior to Grambling State, Thornton played a key role at Alcorn State, helping guide the Braves to two SWAC championships and consecutive Celebration Bowl appearances. Promoted to assistant head coach in 2019, he oversaw a defense that ranked among FCS national leaders in interceptions (21), turnovers gained (36), fumbles recovered (15), and red zone defense (.689).
In 2018, Alcorn State led the nation in sacks (4.0 per game) and tackles for loss (9.5 per game) while finishing among the top 10 nationally in rushing defense, total defense, and red zone efficiency. Thornton also developed multiple all-conference and All-America performers, including linebacker Solomon Muhammad and defensive back Qwynnterrio Cole.
Thornton previously served as defensive coordinator at Alabama State University, where his 2014 defensive unit ranked among the top 15 nationally in scoring defense, passing defense, and total takeaways. That season, the Hornets held seven opponents under 20 points, including the program’s first official shutout since 1994 against Savannah State University.
His coaching career also includes a stint at Texas Southern University along with extensive experience in the high school ranks in Montgomery, Alabama, and Jacksonville, Florida.
A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Thornton played collegiately at Alabama State from 1991 to 1995. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University in 2000 and later completed his master’s degree at Texas Southern University in 2016.
