After a national search, Bethune Cookman University has found its new head coach to replace Ed Reed.

On Monday, the B-CU Director of Athletics Reggie Theus announced that alumnus Raymond Woodie Jr. will be the 16th head coach of the Wildcats football team.

“A new era at Bethune-Cookman University begins today,” said Interim President Lawrence M. Drake II, Ph.D. in a news release.  “Word of our pending new leadership has been hard to contain, so we are thrilled to officially welcome Raymond back home to Bethune-Cookman University. Throughout our search process, we stressed the need for a leader who understands our university’s history, traditions, and values, in addition to possessing firm athletic leadership prowess. Coach Woodie embodies each of these qualities.”

Woodie is a 1996 graduate of B-CU and was also a four-year letter winner as a linebacker for the Wildcats. He has had an impressive career as an assistant coach at numerous Power 5 schools including Florida Atlantic University (2020-22), Florida State University (2018-19), the University of Oregon (2017), and the University of South Florida (2013-16).  

“We are elated to have Raymond Woodie, Jr. return to Bethune-Cookman University to lead our storied football program,” Theus said. “We felt confident in his experience, his leadership, and his ability to embrace the spirit of our founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in this 100th year of B-CU football. We are locked in the vision for providing a championship culture through his detailed plan for recruiting academically talented student athletes, along with a sustained desire to provide a high-level experience.”

Woodies is recognized as a premier recruiter in college football, having recruited seven players that were eventually selected in the NFL Draft.

B-CU said it will hold a news conference on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 12 p.m. to introduce Woodie to the Wildcat community. This event will be streamed live on the CatEye Network.