JACKSON — Jackson State has tabbed a Southwestern Athletic Conference veteran to lead its women’s basketball program.

JSU announced Wednesday that it has hired Margaret Richards as its women’s basketball head coach. She’ll succeed Tomekia Reed, who was hired by Charlotte last week.

Richards, a 19-year college coaching veteran, was the head coach at Alabama State for eight seasons from 2016 to 2024. She led the Bulldogs to a 97-125 record and six appearances in the SWAC Tournament, including a run to the semifinals in 2020.

Richards left Alabama A&M for an assistant coach position at Mercer in April, but was only in that job for a month before being hired by Jackson State.

She has also been an assistant at Kentucky State, Louisville, North Texas, Weber State, Western Kentucky and Clemson.

Richards played at Nebraska from 1999 to 2004 and was a three-time All-Big 12 tournament selection.

Richards will be formally introduced at a press conference on Monday, May 6.

“When you look at the landscape of our sport in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, the standard over the last five years has been Jackson State,” Richards said in a statement. “I am humbled, and honored, to be given this opportunity to serve the young women of our program and the Jackson State community. I understand the expectations and can’t wait to get to work.”