Howard head football coach Ron Prince resigned in the wake of allegations he verbally abused and was hostile toward his players and staff.
The first-year coach was placed on administrative leave in early November after a parent of a Howard player sent a letter to HBCU Gameday that alleged, “Prince has been threatening, hostile, abusive and disrespectful of the young men and coaching staff at Howard University since his arrival.”
The school immediately began an investigation that culminated in Prince’s resignation on Friday.
“Coach Ron Prince has resigned as Head Coach of Howard’s football program, effective immediately,” athletic director Kery Davis said in a statement. “The University and Coach Prince have agreed to mutually part ways. A national search for a replacement will begin immediately.”
ESPN reported that Prince and the school reached a contract settlement.
The letter from the parent claimed that the 50-year-old Prince sent injured athletes home without treatment and that players were afraid to speak up out of fear of retaliation.
Seven players have entered the NCAA transfer portal since August and 17 since Prince arrived last December, ESPN reported in November. That includes 2018 MEAC Offensive Player of the Year Caylin Newton, who passed for 2,610 yards and 22 touchdowns last season.
Newton is the younger brother of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.
Howard was not Prince’s first head coaching job.
Kansas State fired Prince after he compiled a 17-20 record (2006-08) with one bowl appearance in three seasons. From 2009-18, he worked as an assistant in the NFL (Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions) and in the college ranks (Virginia, Rutgers and Michigan).
The Bison were 1-8 under Prince. The team finished 2-10 (2-6 MEAC).
Until a coach is hired, director of football operations Aaron Kelton will take charge of the program.