SWAC Mourns Sudden Death of Beloved Football Official Eddie Kelley

One of HBCU football’s most respected voices has fallen silent.

The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is mourning the death of Eddie Kelley, its Coordinator of Football Officials, whose sudden passing sent ripples through the HBCU sports community this week. Known for his leadership, integrity, and passion for officiating, Kelley was more than a rules enforcer—he was a builder of men and a guardian of the game.

A former head referee for over a decade, Kelley brought a calm command and unmistakable presence to every field he stepped on. His elevation to SWAC Football Coordinator of Officials on February 15, 2019, marked the beginning of a new era for the league—one that emphasized accountability, mentorship, and professionalism.

“It is truly an honor to get the opportunity to work with the Southwestern Athletic Conference,” Kelley said upon his appointment. “The legacies and great traditions of this conference… are remarkable. I look forward to serving the league with honor and integrity.”

He delivered on that promise.

Before his SWAC tenure, Kelley also worked as an official in the Southland Conference in 2012 and with the Pac-12 in 2017—making him one of the few Black officials to leave a mark across multiple major conferences. He later served as President of the SWAC Football Officiating Association, further solidifying his influence and commitment to officiating excellence.

“Eddie Kelley touched lives far beyond the football field,” said SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland. “His legacy as a mentor, leader, and friend will endure in the hearts of our community.”

During his five-year leadership, the SWAC saw a noticeable rise in officiating consistency across marquee matchups like the Bayou Classic and the SWAC Championship, which drew over 53,000 fans in 2023 and set ESPN viewership records for HBCU football.

Kelley’s death leaves a tremendous void—not just in the conference, but in the culture of Black college football. As we celebrate his legacy, let it also be a call to invest in the next generation of HBCU officials and leaders.