LAZARUS MORGAN NAMED BUFFALO STATE FOOTBALL HEAD COACH

Buffalo State College has appointed Lazarus Morgan as the sixth head coach in the history of the Bengal football program, Director of Athletics Renee Carlineo announced on Friday (January 21, 2022).

Morgan will join the Buffalo State athletics department on February 1, 2022, after serving as the defensive coordinator at SUNY Cortland this past season where he oversaw the fifth-ranked overall defense in NCAA Division III, helping guide the Red Dragons to an 11-1 record, an Empire 8 title and a trip to the NCAA playoffs. With the hire, Morgan becomes the first African American to hold the title of head football coach at Buffalo State, as well as the first African American head coach in the history of the Liberty League.

"On behalf of the entire campus community, I would like to welcome Lazarus Morgan to the Buffalo State College family," said Buffalo State President Katherine Conway-Turner. "We believe that Lazarus is the right coach at the right time to lead our football program. Not only have his teams experienced success on the field, but he brings to Buffalo State a commitment to developing and supporting the entire student-athlete—on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. I look forward to Lazarus leading our Bengals on Coyer Field next fall and for many seasons to come."

"We are thrilled to welcome Lazarus Morgan as the leader of our football program," added Carlineo. "Throughout this national search, Coach Morgan's demonstrated values and football acumen stood out. What shined above all else were his ability to build genuine and inspirational relationships as well as his reputation as a mentor of young men and his approach to leadership. His vision and coaching philosophy fit perfectly with our team, our department, our college, and our community. I am excited to see how the next few years unfold with Lazarus leading the future of Buffalo State football."