By: Michael Wayne O’Neill
Sports Editor
WINGATE — Rashaan Jordan is the next head football coach at Wingate University, but another opportunity waits for him before the 2024 season. He will have the “once in a lifetime” opportunity to coach his son, defensive tackle Malik Jordan (5-foot-11, 275 pounds) his senior season.
A 2021 Porter Ridge High School graduate, Malik saw action in four games and recorded 1 tackle for loss and 1 sack. He is a redshirt sophomore with an undeclared major.
It didn’t take long for Malik to hone in on Rashaan’s standard of excellence from his 18 years as defensive coordinator working alongside former head coach Joe Reich. Rashaan was the Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator in two separate stints (2001-08, 2012-22).
“He always believes in boots on the ground hardwork, which has a different level of tenacity to improve and resiliency when things don’t go our way,” Malik said.
Malik saw Rashaan as a family man before handling his coaching duties. His prioritization as a father benefited Malik’s potential to become a college football prospect.
“As a coach, his body of work speaks for itself,” Malik said. “He has consistently produced a dominant defense, but more importantly, he produces strong men.”
Rashaan enjoyed Malik’s fruition for football that expanded over the years.
“I want (Malik’s) love for the game to be organic,” Rashaan said. “I only have involved myself when he has asked me for advice. This has been his journey alone… It’s been an awesome experience to watch him grow and learn the game, all while being close to him on the field.”
The Jordans will go into the 2024 season finishing 8-3 in the 2023 regular season. They look forward to cherishing the full circle moment together.
“We are really excited for such an opportunity to represent this university at this level,” said Malik. “We also understand that there is a lot of work ahead still to be done.”
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