Columbia, SC (WLTX) -- Benedict College's athletics director has named James Woody as the head coach for the Benedict College Tigers football team.
Benedict President David Swinton made the announcement during a Monday news conference in Columbia.
Woody previously worked as an Offensive Coordinator for Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, and had previously enjoyed a year off from coaching with his family.
"First of all, I'd like to thank Dr. Swinton for the opportunity to be a part of this great program," Woody said. "I'm really looking forward to this program being successful."
"We really look forward to moving this in the right direction to get where we need to be," Woody said. "I've had my eyes on this job for a long time."
"My first priority here is to put a team on the field that will be competitive," Woody said. "While watching film, I saw some great things, and some things that we can get better with as well."
Woody also said he wants to focus on recruiting more South Carolina athletes.
"I want to win right now," Woody said about entering the season during the fifth week of play.
Benedict fired former head football coach Stanley Conner after the Tigers' poor performance against Fort Valley State, when the team lost 40-23 Thursday.
The Tigers are 1-4 for the year, earning their sole win Sept. 17 against Shaw University, 23-17. Benedict opened its season at home with a 27-0 loss against Virginia Union University and a 31-14 defeat to Bowie State University.
The Benedict Tigers take on the Golden Bears of Miles College in Augusta, GA.