Leonard ‘Bubba’ McDowell Out as Prairie View A&M Football Coach After Contract Not Renewed

Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) announced that Leonard “Bubba” McDowell, a former NFL player turned head coach, will no longer lead its football team. The university decided not to renew McDowell’s contract, ending his tenure as head coach after three seasons.

McDowell, a former Houston Oilers and Carolina Panthers player, took the head coaching position in 2022 after serving as a long-time assistant at PVAMU. Despite leading the team to a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) West Division title last season, this year’s disappointing performance contributed to his departure.

University Statement and Interim Leadership

PVAMU Athletic Director Anton Goff released a statement expressing gratitude for McDowell’s dedication to the team and its players.

“Coach McDowell’s commitment to helping our student-athletes succeed in life both personally and professionally is admirable and a true reflection of his character,” Goff said.

The university also announced that assistant head coach Ashton Green would take over as interim head coach while the search for McDowell’s replacement begins.

McDowell’s tenure at Prairie View A&M had its highs and lows. He posted a 17-17 overall record and a 14-9 record in SWAC play during his three seasons. However, the team’s 5-7 record this season, its worst under McDowell, overshadowed last season’s success and played a role in the university’s decision.

McDowell himself acknowledged the situation, telling HBCU Legends, “It’s the nature of the business.”

From Player to Coach

Before his coaching career, McDowell played collegiate football at the University of Miami, where he was part of the undefeated 1987 NCAA National Championship team. He went on to a seven-year NFL career, playing for the Houston Oilers and the Carolina Panthers.

McDowell later transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach at Prairie View A&M for years before stepping into the head coach role when Eric Dooley left to coach at Southern University

As Prairie View A&M looks for its next head coach, McDowell’s departure marks a turning point for the program. The Panthers now aim to rebuild and bounce back from a challenging season under new leadership.