Reginald Ruffin: From All-American to Hall of Famer and Championship Leader – Tuskegee University

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Thonnia Lee 17 October 2025 3 minute read
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Reginald Ruffin, one of the most accomplished student-athletes in the history of the University of North Alabama, has built a legacy defined by leadership, discipline, and winning. A three-time All-American, UNA’s all-time sack leader, and a member of UNA’s three consecutive NCAA National Football Championship teams (1993, 1994, and 1995), Ruffin has carried his championship mindset from the gridiron to the sidelines and now into the boardroom as one of the most respected athletic directors in HBCU athletics.
When former Miles College President Dr. George C. French began his search for a new head football coach following the 2010 season, several high-profile candidates applied. Even former Alabama head coach Nick Saban personally called Dr. French to recommend one of his assistants. Many assumed the decision had already been made, until Ruffin walked into the room.
Ruffin, who had spent several years as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Tuskegee University under head coach Willie Slater, impressed immediately with his preparation, vision, and commitment to discipline.
“The guy Coach Saban recommended could have been a great accountant, but he couldn’t handle discipline,” Dr. French recalled. “Ruffin killed the interview and had a great plan to take our program to the top of the SIAC. We won the SIAC championship his first year and three more after that. I can’t say enough good things about Ruffin.”
Ruffin rewarded that faith in historic fashion. Over ten seasons at Miles College, he guided the Golden Bears to seven SIAC Championship appearances, winning four titles and earning three SIAC Coach of the Year honors. His teams also advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs twice, finishing with an impressive 59–39 overall record.
Reflecting on his tenure, Ruffin said:
“I am so indebted to Dr. French. I had been told he already had a candidate in mind, but he gave me an opportunity, and I knocked it out of the park. I’ll always be grateful to him and to the people at Miles who believed in me.”
That belief was celebrated when Ruffin was officially inducted into the Miles College Hall of Fame at the Birmingham CrossPlex on Oct. 17.
“This is a great honor,” Ruffin said. “I’m thankful to the Hall of Fame Committee, Dr. Bobbi Knight, Diana Knighton, Jeffrey Artis, AD Phillip Wallace, and former AD Gus James for their support of my vision for Miles College football and athletics.”
Before his coaching career, Ruffin made his mark at the University of North Alabama, where he was a four-year starter—beginning at defensive end and later moving to inside linebacker. He remains the only player in UNA history to earn All-America honors at two different positions and one of only two to be named a three-time All-American.
His former head coach, Bobby Wallace, praised Ruffin’s talent and leadership:
“Reggie had all the tools, leverage, strength, quickness, and intelligence. But more importantly, he was a leader. He had the intangibles that make great players and great coaches.”
After a standout playing career, Ruffin transitioned to coaching, joining Willie Slater at Tuskegee University in 2006 as defensive coordinator. Together, they helped lead the Golden Tigers to four SIAC championships and a Black College National Championship.
“Reggie was one of the best players we ever had and one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with,” Slater said. “He took everything he learned at UNA and built a great defensive program. Our success was in large part because of his leadership.”
Today, Reginald Ruffin continues that legacy as the Director of Athletics at Tuskegee University, where he previously served as head football coach. Known across HBCU athletics for his discipline, vision, and unwavering standard of excellence, Ruffin continues to shape programs and people with the same drive that once made him an All-American.
“Tuskegee University is incredibly proud of AD Ruffin for the contribution he has made to football, our Athletics program overall as well as the influence he has had on our students,” said Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO. “The university has made significant upgrades in the last few years and exposed our student athletes to competitive opportunities because of his leadership. His dedication ensured the university hosted its first night game earlier this year. We celebrate AD Ruffin and his accomplish at Miles and the impact he continues to make at Tuskegee.”  
   
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