Terry Sims Takes Charge as Head Coach of Clark Atlanta Panthers Football Team

Clark Atlanta University Welcomes Terry Sims as Head Football Coach

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is excited to announce the appointment of Terry Sims as the new head coach of the Panthers football team, effective immediately. This announcement marks the beginning of a promising era for the university's athletic program.

A press conference is set to take place on January 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET in Epps Gymnasium, where Coach Sims will officially be introduced to the community and media. His appointment comes on the heels of his successful tenure at Bethune-Cookman University, where he led the football program to multiple winning seasons and garnered significant respect in the coaching community.

Dr. Jerel Drew, Athletic Director at CAU, expressed his enthusiasm for Sims's arrival, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Coach Terry Sims to our university. His dedication to fostering player development and commitment to competitive excellence aligns perfectly with our vision for the Panthers football program. We look forward to an exciting chapter under his guidance."

Coach Sims's impressive coaching career is underscored by a 34-21 record and numerous conference titles achieved during his time at Bethune-Cookman. His strategic leadership has been a catalyst for improving team dynamics and enhancing performance on the field.

Beyond his coaching accolades, Sims possesses a strong academic background. He holds a Master's Degree in Sports Administration from the University of Louisville and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Knoxville College. This educational foundation complements his coaching expertise, enabling him to nurture not just athletic skills, but also the personal growth of his players.

The Clark Atlanta football program has a rich history and is deeply embedded in the fabric of the university, which was established in 1988 through the merger of Atlanta University (1865) and Clark College (1869), both recognized as historically Black institutions. CAU serves as a private, research-intensive university, offering degrees across multiple disciplines, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award degrees at all levels.

As the Panthers look ahead, Coach Sims's arrival signifies a commitment to excellence and a desire to foster a culture of success. The university community anticipates the positive impact he will have on the players and the overall football program.

As the new season approaches, excitement is building not only among the fans but also within the squad as they prepare to adapt to Sims’s coaching philosophy, which emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and character development, both on and off the field. With his extensive experience and proactive approach to coaching, there is a renewed sense of optimism about the future of Clark Atlanta Panthers football.

For more updates and information, visit www.cau.edu.