Cedric Pearl has served as CSU’s head coach since 2014.
In his first two seasons, Pearl has helped re-energize a CSU program with 4 wins in his first season and 5 wins in 2015. Prior to Pearl’s arrival, CSU had totaled 9 combined wins in the previous five seasons. Under Pearl, the Marauders recorded a 5-5 overall mark in 2018 and a second place finish in the SIAC West Division - the best finish since CSU joined the SIAC. In addition to bringing CSU back to respectability, Pearl and his staff have developed 11 All-Conference selections, 6 Super-Region selections and 1 AFCA All-American.
Coach Pearl came to Central State after 13 seasons at Alabama A&M University. During his tenure at Alabama A&M, the program won 5 South Western Athletic Conference Eastern Division titles. In 2006, Alabama A&M won the South Western Athletic Conference title.
Pearl's coaching career began as a graduate assistant for the Tuskegee Golden Tigers in 1993, joining the staff full time in 1994 as the offensive line coach. After three seasons with the Tigers, Pearl accepted a position at Morris Brown as the defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator. In 1996, Pearl helped the Wolverine defense lead the SIAC in defensive scoring. He spent 5 seasons with the Wolverines before joining the coaching staff at Morehouse. From 2000 to 2013, Pearl served in various capacities including Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Alabama A&M before arriving in Wilberforce, Ohio.
Pearl played collegiately at Tuskegee University. He earned his BA in Social Work in 1992 and earned a Master’s in Education in Counseling and Student Development in 1995. As a member of the Golden Tiger football team, Pearl was a three-time All-SIAC selection with an Honorable Mention in 1989, a 2nd Team selection in 1990, and a 1st Team selection in 1991.
A member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Pearl served as an intern under NFL head coaches Herman Edwards and Art Shell during the summers of 2005 and 2006. He also completed a coaching internship with the Oakland Raiders prior to the 2006 season. Pearl received the 2006 Most Outstanding Coach of the Year Golden Torch award from the Huntsville Athletic Booster Club which honors professionals for achievements in their specific fields.
Coach Pearl currently resides in the Dayton area with his wife Danita and stepdaughter Shanice Adams - a 2019 graduate of Central State University.
Listen to Coach Pearl talk about his professional experiences on
WCSU FM 88.9.
