Jerry Holmes enters his first season as head coach at Hampton University. Prior to becoming head coach Holmes spent the last third season as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach here at Hampton (2004-07). Holmes’ also spent five years coaching defensive backs for the San Diego Chargers (2002-03), the Washington Redskins (2001) and the Cleveland Browns (1999-00).
As a coach, Holmes embodies the same characteristics that he demonstrated as a player in the NFL and the USFL, physical play and aggressive football. His coaching prowess has transferred successfully to his players on the field everywhere that he has been. In 2001 his Redskins secondary boasted the NFL’s sixth leading defense against the pass. The team’s 23 interceptions were the fifth most in the league. During Holmes’ tenure with the Browns, Cleveland ranked 11th and 12th in the league against the pass.
Holmes began his coaching career as the linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator at Hampton University from 1992 to 1994. During those three seasons with the Pirates, Hampton posted a remarkable record of 31-4-1, winning three consecutive CIAA championships, making two trips to the NCAA playoffs and capturing the 1994 Black College National Championship. After leaving Hampton, Holmes spent the next four seasons (1994-98) as the defensive backs coach at his alma mater West Virginia University. In 1996 the Mountaineers featured the nation’s top-ranked defense that included a No. 5 national ranking against the pass. He has also completed coaching internships with the Detroit Lions, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Boston University.
Since his return to Hampton Holmes has continued his
previous success by guiding linebacker Justin Durant to three consecutive MEAC Defensive Player of the Year honors, while also helping the Pirate defense lead the country in turnovers forced with 43 in 2004. During the 2005 campaign his unit finished the year ranking second in the Division I FCS in points allowed at 14 points per game, while also ranking sixth in total defense. Last season the Pirates continued to display their dominance on the defensive side of the ball surrendering just 14.5 points per game, ranking third in pass defense and second in tackles for loss.
As a player, Holmes’ professional career spanned 12 seasons as a cornerback and included stops with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers (1990-91), Detroit Lions (1988-89) and New York Jets (1980-83, 86-87), as well as the USFL’s New Jersey Generals (1985) and Pittsburgh Maulers (1984). His NFL totals included 25 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.
Holmes began his collegiate career at Chowan Junior College where he earned an associate degree in business administration before transferring to West Virginia. There he was a two-year letterman in football, earning his degree in business administration in 1979. As the captain of the Mountaineers during his senior campaign, Holmes was honored with the Ira A. Rodgers Award as the team’s most valuable player.
