On December 20, 2004, Dorothy Cowser Yancy, Ph.D., president, named the 19th head football coach in Golden Bull history. She called upon Daryl C. McNeill, a familiar face and name in Smith football who served in the same capacity in 1995 and 1996. Mc- Neill is responsible for renewing the pride that Smith once had. He also serves as an associate athletics director in charge of external operations. McNeill has over 20 years of coaching experience as an offensive coordinator and head coach. He brings intensity, energy and a keen understanding of football from all aspects. He knows what it takes to get players to perform. As head coach in 1996, McNeill led his team to an impressive 7-3 record, the fi rst time in 15 years that the program recorded a winning season. For his accomplishments, McNeill was honored with the Black College Sports Co-Coach of the Year Award. McNeill's arrival signaled a new era at JCSU, and he continues to guide the program at Smith to the elite of Division II college football. His tireless work ethic, winning attitude and commitment to the university are pillars which generate excitement throughout the University. Achievement and success are nothing new to McNeill. Wherever he has been in his coaching career, success has followed. During McNeill's two-year stint as the Associate Head Coach and offensive coordinator at Division I-AA North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, McNeill led a resurgence of the Aggie offense, which improved by a 50-yard average from the 2002 season. Aggie quarterbacks fi nished the season with a 112.70 rating, the best since 2000. At JCSU, McNeill took the team from 0-24 to 7-4 in 2006 including a berth in the Pioneer Bowl. His success drew sold-out crowds at JCSU's Irwin Belk Complex. He joined the N.C. A&T coaching staff in 2001 after eight seasons (two tenures) as an assistant at Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rival South Carolina State University, including the last four as offensive coordinator. McNeill has had successful stints as a head coach, Savannah State University (1997-1998) and Johnson C. Smith University (1995-1996). His career record at JCSU is 17-24, while his overall head coaching record is 27-36. Prior to his head coaching tenure, McNeill served as an offensive coordinator while at Tennessee State University (1993-95) and also at Savannah State (1988-89). McNeill also served as an assistant varsity coach and junior varsity head coach at Jonesboro High School (1986-87). McNeill is a 1982 graduate of South Carolina State University, where he lettered in football for two seasons. He holds a B.S. degree as well as a master's of business education from the University. A native of Seneca, S.C., McNeill has been married to the former Savonne Etheridge for ten years. He has two children, Tiffany and Daryl, Jr.