His journey to be the best started in Tuscaloosa, Ala., as he was one of the greatest players during the era of legendary Alabama football head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.
After winning three Southeastern Conference championships under Bryant (1972-74) and securing a national title in 1973, Sylvester Croom would pave the way for other African Americans in the coaching world. He sat at the feet of Bryant for 10 seasons as an assistant (1976-86) — helping the Crimson Tide win national titles in 1977 and 1978 while the school either secured or earned a share of a conference crown during the 1977-79 and 1981 seasons.
He was an All-American player, savvy assistant, motivating head coach at Mississippi State University (2004-08) and after spending 25 years in the National Football League (1987-16), Croom is about to embark upon yet another prestigious opportunity.
According to a report from AL.com, the Reese’s Senior Bowl has hired Croom as Senior Vice President Operations. Following three years with the Tennessee Titans as a running backs coach (2013-16), he returns to Mobile to scout out the next wave of NFL talent.
Despite his overall record of 21-38 at Mississippi State, Croom led the Bulldogs to a stunning mark of 8-5 in 2007 that culminated in him winning Coach of the Year honors for the SEC.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
