The defending SWAC champions are making midseason coaching changes after consecutive conference losses, with offensive coordinator Christopher Buckner and defensive backs coach Darren Garrigan among those reassigned.
Prairie View A&M is making changes to its football coaching staff as the Panthers look to turn around a disappointing start to the 2026 season.
According to FootballScoop, sources confirmed on Monday, October 12, that Prairie View A&M is making multiple coaching staff changes after opening the season with a 2–5 record. Additional reporting from Sports Illustrated’s HBCU coverage identified offensive coordinator Christopher Buckner and defensive backs coach Darren Garrigan as coaches being reassigned. Running backs coach Clifford Fedd is expected to take over as offensive coordinator.
The moves come as head coach Tremaine Jackson attempts to redirect a program that captured the SWAC championship last season but has struggled to find consistency in 2026.
Prairie View A&M’s Recent Losses Prompt Changes
The Panthers have suffered back-to-back defeats that have put additional pressure on their conference campaign.
On October 3, Prairie View A&M fell to Mississippi Valley State, 28–27, after surrendering leads of 24 and 17 points during the game. The following Saturday, October 10, the Panthers lost 28–14 to Southern, allowing the Jaguars to pull away in the fourth quarter.
Against Southern, Prairie View’s offense produced two touchdowns: a five-yard scoring run by Chase Bingmon and a 48-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tevin Carter to Damien McDaniel. However, the Panthers could not keep pace late in the contest.
The consecutive defeats dropped Prairie View to 2–5 overall and 2–2 in SWAC play, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Clifford Fedd Takes Over Offensive Coordinator Duties
One of the most significant changes involves the Panthers’ offensive leadership.
Fedd, who previously coached Prairie View’s running backs, is expected to assume offensive coordinator responsibilities. Buckner, who held the position, is being reassigned along with Garrigan, the team’s defensive backs coach.
Jackson acknowledged the need for a change while discussing the moves during the SWAC Coaches Media Session on October 12.
“I needed to shake some thing up, to moving in a new direction. So we do that, we move forward,” Jackson said, according to Sports Illustrated.
The changes give Prairie View an opportunity to reassess its approach on offense while making adjustments elsewhere on the coaching staff.
What’s Next for the Defending SWAC Champions?
Prairie View A&M has little time to waste as it prepares for its next conference matchup.
The Panthers are scheduled to host Alcorn State on Saturday, October 17, at Panther Stadium in Prairie View, Texas. The game presents an immediate opportunity for the team to respond to its recent losses and begin rebuilding momentum.
With the season moving deeper into October, the Panthers must address their late-game struggles and find greater consistency on both sides of the ball if they hope to remain competitive in the SWAC race.
Last season’s championship established high expectations for Prairie View A&M. Now, the coaching staff changes signal an effort to get the program moving in the right direction before the season slips further away.
The question now is whether these adjustments can produce an immediate turnaround.
