Contact: Thonnia Lee, Office of Strategic Communications
Tuskegee University head football coach Aaron James has been relieved of his duties and the university has started a national search for the next leader of the Golden Tigers football program. Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Line Coach Keith Higdon will serve as interim head coach during the search.
“We are extremely grateful to Coach James for his leadership, dedication, and service to Tuskegee University,” said Reginald S. Ruffin, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics and Director of Athletics. “Aaron is a proud Tuskegee alumnus who has represented his alma mater with tremendous pride. We thank him for his commitment to our student-athletes, our football program, and the Tuskegee community. We wish Coach James and his family nothing but success in the next chapter of their journey.”
As Tuskegee University moves forward, the national search will focus on identifying a leader who understands the tradition, expectations, and national significance of Tuskegee Football while possessing a clear vision for competing in today’s rapidly changing collegiate athletics landscape.
“Tuskegee Football has a proud championship tradition, and our expectations remain high,” Ruffin said. “Our commitment is to academic excellence, developing young men, competing for championships, graduating our student-athletes, and representing Tuskegee University with distinction. We will conduct a comprehensive national search to identify a leader who embraces those expectations and understands The Standard associated with wearing the Crimson and Old Gold.”
The next head football coach will be expected to build upon Tuskegee’s historic foundation while positioning the program for sustained success with first the potential for academic achievement, supported by recruiting, student-athlete development, fundraising, alumni engagement, and championship-level competition.
Additional information regarding the national search will be announced at the appropriate time.
Reginald S. Ruffin, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics & Director of Athletics Tuskegee University
© 2026 Tuskegee University
