Missouri Promotes Former Alabama State Star

Originally posted on FanNation HBCU Legends
By Kyle T. Mosley | Last updated 6/8/23

Al Pogue, a former star player for the Alabama State Hornets, has been promoted to assistant head coach for the University of Missouri football program. Last season Pogue serves as the cornerbacks' coach with the Tigers under head coach Elijah Drinkwitz. 2023 will be his 13th season in the collegiate ranks as a coach, following 13 seasons coaching at high schools in Alabama.

"Coach Pogue has that mix of veteran coaching experience in this league, coupled with tremendous energy and strong connection with our players," Drinkwitz said. "This role as assistant head coach will help assist me with our overall program vision and organization. I know he'll attack these responsibilities with true enthusiasm and passion for Mizzou football."

Last week, Missouri Athletics announced that former Southern University baseball coach Kerrick Jackson was hired as the SEC's first black head baseball coach. Pogue's announcement was the second major news concerning former HBCU stars at the institution.

Before joining Missouri, Pogue held defensive coaching positions at Troy (2014-2018, 2021), Auburn (2011-2013, 2020), and West Virginia (2019). He's responsible for producing six NFL draft picks and won a BCS National Championship as a member of Gus Malzahn's staff at Auburn.

Pogue was a safety and cornerback at Alabama State from 1993 to 1996. During this time with the Hornets, he achieved All-America and All-SWAC honors in the free safety position. He completed his bachelor's degree in special education at Alabama State University in 1998.

His wife Nikita also graduated from Alabama State. The couple has two children, Allison and Nasir.