Jackson State reportedly eyes big-time hire to replace Ashley Robinson

As Ashley Robinson is set to become the athletic director at Texas Southern, rumors are swirling that Jackson State has their eye on a big name as the replacement for a big name. Per HBCU Legends, Kyle T. Mosley, Jackson State has been in contact with Alabama A&M’s Athletic Director, Dr. Paul A. Bryant.

“Alabama A&M’s Dr. Paul A. Bryant has been contacted by Jackson State University about its vacant vice president and director of athletics position, and mutual interest exists, according to multiple sources,” Mosley posted to his X account.

However, a later report by HBCU Gameday indicated that while rumors are swirling about Jackson, their sources contradict Mosley’s report and say Bryant has not been contacted by Jackson State as of Thursday.

“Jackson State is beginning the process of getting an AD and Alabama A&M AD Dr. Paul Bryant’s name has been thrown out. But a source with intimate knowledge of the situation tells HBCU Gameday that he has not been contacted by JSU as of Thursday afternoon…Mosley attributed his report to multiple sources. HBCU Gameday reached out to a source with intimate knowledge of the situation. They firmly denied that any contact had taken place between Jackson State and Bryant as of Thursday afternoon,” HBCU Gameday founder Steven J. Gaither reported.

Bryant is one of the more notable athletic directors in HBCU life, known for leading a growing Alabama A&M athletics department and for his mastery of social media and traditional media. He made two major basketball hires that made headlines, including bringing in former University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff coach Don Thornton to lead the Lady Bulldogs basketball team. Thornton has brought immense success to Alabama A&M’s women’s basketball program, finishing with a 21-11 record in the 2024-2025 season and a 22-11 record in the 2025-2026 season.

He also made a huge hire, nabbing Dante Jackson from Grambling State to lead Alabama A&M, following Jackson coaching the Tigers to a SWAC championship and a March Madness appearance in the 2023-2024 season. His resume resembles Robinson’s high-profile moves during his tenure at Jackson State, including hiring Deion Sanders and women’s basketball coach Tomekia Reed.

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