A New Chapter and a Fond Farewell: Changes in Morehouse College Basketball Leadership

Morehouse College, a pillar of academic and athletic excellence since its intercollegiate basketball competition began in 1910, is undergoing significant changes in its basketball program leadership. This article delves into the recent departure of head coach Doug Whittler and assistant coach Terrell Polk, and the subsequent hiring of Larry Dixon as the new head coach. It also addresses a controversy surrounding a game against Tuskegee University, showcasing the complexities and challenges within the HBCU athletic landscape.

Doug Whittler's Departure: A Legacy of Winning and Commitment

In a surprising move, Morehouse College announced that head coach Doug Whittler and assistant coach Terrell Polk would be stepping down from their roles, effective immediately. This decision has sparked discussions among Morehouse alumni, fans, and supporters of the Maroon Tigers basketball program. While the specific details remain undisclosed, external factors may have influenced this parting of ways.

Whittler, a "Morehouse Man" through and through, leaves behind a legacy of winning and commitment to the institution. Having played under the legendary Coach Grady Brewer, he carried the torch for Morehouse, upholding the traditions established by coaching icons Arthur McAfee and Frank Forbes.

A Stellar Record

During his four seasons as head coach, Whittler amassed an impressive 76-40 overall record (.655) and an even more remarkable 59-21 record (.734) within the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). His winning percentage ranks as the second-highest among coaches in Morehouse basketball history. From 2022 to 2024, Morehouse won three straight SIAC East Division titles. In 2024-25, the team finished second in the division. Player Brandon Peters made the SIAC All-Freshman Team.

Developing Talent and Character

Despite not having a marquee star on his rosters, Whittler consistently fielded competitive teams that excelled both on and off the court. His leadership guided the Maroon Tigers to three SIAC East titles while fostering academic excellence and social responsibility among his players. Several of Whittler's players were All-SIAC performers and contributed hours of community service in Atlanta, embodying the values of Morehouse College. Standout talents like Kerry Richardson, Cedric Taylor III (Freshman of the Year and First Team All-SIAC honoree), and Brandon Peters (2024-25 All-Freshman selection) flourished under his guidance. The 2023-24 team also held the title of the nation’s top defensive squad in NCAA Division II by field goal percentage.

Read also: Leadership at Morehouse

Questions Surround the Exit

Whittler’s sudden departure has left many wondering whether it was due to internal challenges within the athletic department or unmet expectations for the basketball program in the SIAC. The reasons behind the "parting of ways" remain unclear, but it's evident that Morehouse has lost a coach deeply committed to developing student-athletes and preserving the institution's values.

Whittler's approach extended beyond the basketball court, prioritizing mentorship, academic achievement, and character building. His dedication to uplifting the Morehouse brand made him an invaluable asset in the Atlanta University Center. He also gained national recognition, co-coaching Team Attles at the 2025 Men's HBCU All-Star Game in San Antonio, Texas.

Whittler's Early Years at Morehouse

Whittler's association with Morehouse extends far beyond his head coaching role. He served as an assistant coach for six years and associate head coach for six years under legendary Head coach Grady Brewer. During that time Whittler was very instrumental in assisting Coach Brewer run a successful program. His duties included recruiting, planning practices, strength and conditioning, skill development, monitoring student athletes academic success, scheduling study hall, as well as community outreach. In his inaugural season, Whittler led the team to a 21-7 record, and a 15-2 SIAC mark, helping the Maroon and White claim its 13th conference regular-season title, securing the SIAC regular-season title and tying a school record with an 18-game winning streak. Whittler is the only Morehouse coach to win 21 games in his first season. Along with first year success, Whittler guided newcomer Noah Morgan to not only a 1st team All-conference performer but to HBCU all-star accolades as well. He was named full-time head coach in March 2022.

Larry Dixon's Appointment: A New Era Begins

Morehouse College has announced the hiring of Larry Dixon as the 14th head men's basketball coach in program history. This marks a significant new chapter for the Maroon Tigers. Harold Ellis '92, Director of Athletics at Morehouse College, expressed his excitement, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Coach Dixon to the Morehouse family."

Dixon brings a wealth of experience to Morehouse, with stints as an assistant and associate head coach at multiple Division I programs, most recently at North Carolina State. His resume includes stops at the University of South Florida, Georgia Southern, Winthrop University, East Carolina University, South Carolina State, and St. Known for his defensive acumen, strong recruiting ties throughout the Southeast, and a reputation for developing talent, Dixon has helped guide multiple programs to postseason success.

Read also: Morehouse College Statistics

Building on a Legacy

Dixon's appointment marks a pivotal moment for the storied Morehouse basketball program. Since 1965, every Maroon Tigers head coach has either been Arthur McAfee or a direct product of his coaching tree. Dixon expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I'm honored, humbled, and excited to join Morehouse College and lead one of the most historic and respected programs in HBCU basketball. This is a program with deep tradition and great potential. I'm excited to build on that legacy, connect with our alumni, and get to work with a group of young men who are striving for excellence."

Dixon's Background

Dixon graduated from Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte, N.C) in 1996, where he was a four-year letterman as a player. He was named the team's most improved player following his junior season and the top defensive player after his senior season.

The hiring of Dixon reflects the College's strategic vision to compete at the highest level of NCAA Division II and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), while continuing to develop leaders grounded in Morehouse's mission.

Controversy at the Tuskegee Game: A Clash of Protocols

The game between Morehouse and Tuskegee was marred by controversy. Following the game, Tuskegee University’s head basketball coach Benjy Taylor was handcuffed, leading to intervention from the SIAC.

The Incident

The incident began when Taylor raised concerns to law enforcement officers about postgame procedures after Morehouse football players came onto the court and began “intermingling” with basketball players after the game. Video footage showed Taylor speaking to officers just moments before being placed in handcuffs and led out of the gymnasium.

SIAC's Response

SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman, Ed.D., investigated the incident and found that Morehouse College did not meet required security standards for a host institution, specifically regarding crowd control and ensuring the safe entry and exit of visiting teams. The SIAC fined Morehouse and announced corrective measures to ensure compliance with security policies in the future. Holloman emphasized that the SIAC holds its member institutions to the highest standards of sportsmanship, professionalism, and institutional accountability.

Morehouse's Response

Morehouse College President F. DuBouis Bowman addressed the situation, offering an apology to Tuskegee coach Benjy Taylor while also defending the conduct of Morehouse’s football players. Bowman acknowledged that Taylor’s detainment “did not reflect the desires” of the institution and expressed regret over how the situation escalated. He noted that he had not seen conduct from his basketball team that fell “outside the norms of a competitive HBCU atmosphere,” stating that the football team was merely congratulating the Morehouse basketball players on their victory.

Legal Repercussions

Taylor has retained civil rights attorneys who are conducting their own investigation and exploring legal avenues, including a potential civil lawsuit.

Looking Ahead: The Search for Servant Leadership

As Morehouse begins its search for a new head basketball coach, servant leadership is one key characteristic that should stand out. In today's NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era, the increased involvement from alumni and boosters makes it difficult for head coaches. However, whoever is selected, it would be essential for that person to be an advocate for student-athletes while upholding the institution's principles. The ideal candidate must embody mentorship and integrity - a "Candle in the Dark" who can inspire young men on and off the court. The new leader will play a pivotal role in shaping the future Maroon Tigers, ensuring they take pride in calling him "Coach."

The 2025 NBA HBCU Classic: Tuskegee vs. Morehouse

The 2025 NBA HBCU Classic featured a game between the Tuskegee Golden Tigers and the Morehouse Maroon Tigers at the Oakland Arena. Tuskegee defeated Morehouse 68-55 in front of 19,596 spectators. Tuskegee's Kusamae Draper had a double-double, scoring 22 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. The game was attended by celebrities like Spike Lee, Jennifer Hudson, Common, and MC Hammer.

One of the key points for Tuskegee's victory was the Maroon Tigers' struggles from the free throw line. Morehouse made a paltry 8 of 21 attempts in the game for 38.1% compared to the Golden Tigers' 68.4%.

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