Pioli Family Fund for HBCU Coaches and Scouts awards grant to Morgan State graduate

Central Connecticut's Joseph Rankin is climbing the coaching ladder

Morgan State University graduate Joseph Rankin has been selected to receive a grant from the Pioli Family Fund for HBCU Coaches and Scouts to help further his career aspirations in football.

Rankin, a former high school coach now serving as an assistant coach at Central Connecticut State University, seeks to continue his climb up the coaching ranks and find a position in the National Football League. Before joining Central Connecticut, he played in the NFL and the Canadian Football League.

“In life, nothing is ever accomplished alone, especially in the pursuit of something as special as coaching college football,” Rankin said. “This game has changed my life, and to now be supported by Scott Pioli and this incredible initiative is a blessing I do not take for granted.

“I am especially thankful for the opportunity to keep impacting the lives of my student-athletes, not just on the field, but off it as well. Helping them grow into great men, strong leaders in their communities, and, one day, great fathers and husbands, that’s what I strive for every day.”

Scott Pioli, with his wife, Dallas, and their daughter, Mia, established the endowed fund in 2020 to create opportunities for men and women affiliated with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who are football coaches or scouts. Rankin is the ninth grant recipient of the Fund. 

“I’m extremely happy for Joe. He was a terrific player at Morgan State University, and I respected the way he battled during his time in professional football,” said Scott Pioli, a five-time NFL Executive of the Year with the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots and recipient of three Super Bowl rings with the Patriots. “Since then, he has committed himself to his family and his athletes while in the coaching profession. I’ve had the chance to see him coach firsthand at my alma mater, Central Connecticut State University, and he does an excellent job. It’s clear that his peers and his players learn from him and respect him.”

Pioli and his family work with the Pro Football Hall of Fame to oversee the fund due to the museum’s affiliation with the Black College Football Hall of Fame, which began in 2016. The Pro Football Hall of Fame houses a major exhibit honoring the greatest players, coaches and contributors from HBCUs. 

“Scott had a championship career in the NFL,” said Adrian Allison, Chief Relationship Officer of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “We are honored to partner with him in his efforts to help others reach their goals.”  

In addition to housing the Black College Football Hall of Fame, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has hosted the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic over Labor Day weekend since 2019. This year, defending SIAC champion Miles College and defending CIAA champion Virginia Union University will face off Sunday, Aug. 31. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET, with television coverage on NFL Network.

The weekend will also celebrate the six newest members of the Black College Football Hall of Fame with their plaques officially being unveiled in the museum in Canton.

Applications for grants from the Pioli Family Fund for HBCU Coaches and Scouts will reopen in January.

“It truly is an honor for my family and I to continue to serve the HBCU and football community. I’m grateful to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for giving us the platform to do this work,” Pioli said. 

To help create more opportunities for years to come, the Pioli Family Fund for HBCU Coaches and Scouts is accepting additional gifts from outside donors. To learn more about the fund, please visit ProFootballHOF.com/Pioli-Family-Fund.