Jackson State University may already have a familiar SWAC name in its sights as it begins its search for a new vice president and director of athletics.
According to multiple sources, Alabama A&M Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant has been contacted by Jackson State University regarding its vacant athletics director position, with mutual interest reportedly existing between Bryant and the university.
The position opened Wednesday after Ashley Robinson departed Jackson State to become the new vice president and director of athletics at Texas Southern University. Jackson State subsequently selected longtime administrator Alyse Wells-Kilbert to serve as interim vice president and director of athletics, pending approval from the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees.
Bryant currently leads the athletics department at Alabama A&M and has remained an active figure within the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Most recently, he announced personnel and program developments at Alabama A&M, including the hiring of Rufus Green as the Bulldogs’ new head softball coach.
A move to Jackson State would keep Bryant within the SWAC while placing him at one of the conference’s most prominent athletics programs.
The Tigers are coming off a period of significant administrative stability under Robinson, who spent eight years leading the department. His departure creates an important opening at a program with championship aspirations across multiple sports.
For Jackson State, Bryant’s familiarity with the SWAC landscape could make him an appealing option as the university searches for permanent leadership.
For now, no final decision or hiring has been announced, but the reported contact and mutual interest make Bryant a name to watch as the search develops.
Sneaker Shop Talk will continue to follow the Jackson State athletics director search as more information becomes available.
