Wayne State University Athletics

UPDATED February 10, 2026

Terrence Isaac, Sr. has been selected as the 21st head football coach in the history of Wayne State football dating back to 1918.

"Terrence brings a strong background in developing student-athletes and building programs grounded in consistency and care," said Wayne State Director of Athletics Erika Wallace.  "His experience across multiple levels of football, combined with his people-centered approach, make him a great fit for Wayne State.  We are excited to welcome him to Detroit in the coming days."

Isaac comes to the Warriors after spending the last four seasons (2022-2025) as head coach at Rochester (Minn.) Community and Technical College.  He helped the Yellowjackets to an 18-6 Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC) record during his tenure, including MCAC titles in 2023 when his squad went 8-3 overall and averaged nearly 32 points per game, and in 2025 as RCTC won eight consecutive games before falling in the MCAC title contest.  Isaac was selected co-MCAC Coach of the Year in both 2023 and 2025, as well as NJCAA National Coach of the Year in 2023 after leading RCTC to the national championship game.

"I'm very excited to start this journey," remarked Isaac.  "I'm looking forward to getting started.  This is a great University and I'm extremely humbled by the opportunity."

Isaac also served as head coach and athletic director at Vermilion (Minn.) Community College in 2021, after working the four previous seasons (2017-2020) as head coach and athletic director at Green Oaks High School in Shreveport, La.

Meet Coach Isaac:  Personal and Playing Background

Isaac won a 2014 TCSAAL (Texas Charter School Academic & Athletic League) state title coaching with A+ Academy Charter School in Dallas during his three seasons (2014-2016).  He was an assistant varsity coach for Cedar Hill High School in 2013.  His first head coaching job was in 2008 at StoneGate Christian Academy in Irving, Texas.

The Cleveland, Ohio, native (West Technical High School), began his collegiate playing career at Vermilion earning NJCAA All-American honors in 1996.  He finished his career with the Ironhawks with 132 receptions.  Isaac spent the 1997 campaign at Texas A&M-Commerce, before concluding his collegiate career at Midwestern (Texas) State in 1998, where he had 15 receptions for 177 yards, and had a touchdown reception against Abilene Christian.  

He was inducted into the MCAC Hall of Fame in 2019 for his playing career at Vermilion, and the West Tech Hall of Fame in 2014.  In addition, he was a 2022 Upper Midwest Emmy recipient for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Isaac also played professionally in the Arena Football leagues with Indiana and San Jose, after spending time during training camp with the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs.

Off the field, Isaac has been involved with the Dad for Life Mentoring program in Cedar Hill, Texas since 2008.

In 2022, Isaac was listed as one of Football Scoop's Minority Watch List/Rising Stars.

He earned a bachelor's degree in Business and a master's in Athletics Administration.     

Isaac and his wife, Candice, are the parents of two daughters (Amayah and Kaiya) and one son (Terrence, Jr.), and have one grandson (Amari).