Jackson State interim head football coach John Hendrick has been elevated to become the 20th head coach in school history.

He was revealed as the choice at a Wednesday afternoon team meeting in which he entered the room to loud applause and cheers from his players.

JSU running back Jordan Johnson reiterated the players' excitement to have Hendrick leading the way.

"I can speak for the team and say that we are all excited that Coach Hendrick is our new head coach," Johnson said. "We have a coach who demands excellence in the classroom and on the field of play."

"Coach Hendrick is the type of coach who will leave a positive, life-long effect on myself and my teammates."

Hendrick took the interim position after head coach Tony Hughes was informed his contract wouldn't be renewed following a 41-7 loss Oct. 27 to rival Southern. He then led the Tigers to two wins in their last three games and their first non-losing season since 2013.

Also read:Who is Jackson State's interim head coach that has team one win from SWAC East title?

In the last three seasons since Hendrick arrived at JSU as defensive coordinator, the Tigers have been in the top five in the SWAC in scoring defense. The Tigers finished fourth in scoring defense and second in overall defense in 2018.

"As I said in there I didn't take the interim title to get this job," Hendrick said. "My whole thought process was to finish right what Coach (Tony Hughes) started but as I got into it and started coaching the players and they started responding I started wanting it more and more because I thought we could do more."

"I'm just happy to have an opportunity to coach these guys."

Now in his 36th year of coaching, Hendrick has been on 14 different staffs, including four SWAC and three SEC schools. He also was head coach for Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, from 2003 to 2006 and had a record of 18-25.

Jackson State Athletic director Ashley Robinson said he was moved by Hendrick's passion, work ethic and relationship with the players.

"John Hendrick is a veteran who has proven his ability to provide the type of leadership that is required for our football program," Robinson said.

Jackson State has not won its division and played in the SWAC championship game since 2013 when it lost to Southern in two overtimes. JSU hasn't won a SWAC championship since 2007.