Grambling State University Athletics

Terrence Graves is a 22-year veteran in the SWAC and is entering his second season at Grambling State University as the linebackers and special teams coordinator. Prior to his arrival at Grambling, Graves spent four years at Mississippi Valley State University as the Assistant Head Coach and Linebackers Coach. The Norfolk, Va., native later became the Pass Defensive Coordinator in 2012- 2014. In 2013, Graves would later serve as the Interim Head Football Coach at the end of the season. During his stint at MVSU, Graves was instrumental in constructing some of the best defenses in the SWAC and NCAA. MVSU was ranked No. 1 SWAC and No. 4 nationally in total defense. They also led the SWAC and NCAA in tackles for loss. In 2013, MVSU led the SWAC in interceptions and finished eighth the NCAA.

Prior to his time at MVSU, Graves spent 15 years at Southern University under the legendary Coach Pete Richardson.  During his time with the Jaguars, he assisted the team with three SWAC Championships and four HBCU National Championships. He was the Co-Defensive Coordinator from 2000-2002.  In 2001, Southern led the SWAC in total defense and scoring defense and also led the NCAA in turnovers. The football program also finished eighth nationally in total defense. From 2005- 2009, Graves served as the Defensive Coordinator at Southern. In 2009, the Jaguars’ defense led the SWAC in turnover margin and ranked number No. 2 nationally. In 2007, Graves led Southern to a NCAA Top 25 Defense, which led the SWAC in pass defense efficiency.

In 2003, Graves served as the Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach at Norfolk State, where he coached All-MEAC 1st Team and FCS All-American linebacker Kevin Talley. Talley still holds the NCAA record in tackles in a single season (195). That same year, Graves’ defense led the MEAC in pass defense and was ranked No. 2 in the NCAA.

Graves played as a true freshman at Wake Forest University before transferring to Winston-Salem State University, where he was apart of two CIAA Conference Championships (1990 and1991). He was an HBCU Pre-season All-American and a 1st Team All-CIAA Defensive Back in 1992. He finished No. 2 in the conference and No. 5 nationally in interceptions. Graves finished his career with 12 interceptions. Graves is a 1994 graduate of Winston-Salem State University. He earned a degree in Political Science/History and is currently finishing his Master's Degree in Social Science at Grambling State.