Joseph L. Carter begins his 12th season at Tuskegee University where he serves as the defensive coordinator.
In 2017, Carter's defense held Fort Valley State to only 183 yards of total offense, two scoreless quarters and pair of field goals in the second and fourth quarters only. Playing in the SIAC conference championship game for the first time since 2014, the stingy TU defense also only allowed 28 yards passing in that game. In that same season he was able to hold two Div I FCS opponents to a total of only six points (Alabama State) and seven points (Jackson State).
In 2015, on the defensive side of the football as they led the nation with eight defensive touchdowns throughout the year. Carter helped coach players who were selected to nine different All-American teams (three different players), three All-Region selections and five All-Conference selections. Michael Robinson and Jonah McCutcheon - both starting safeties - were selected All-Conference, All-Region and were each selected to different All-American teams.
During the 2016 season, Carter coached a unit that led the SIAC in total defense averaging 264.5 yards per game. Under is development, linebacker Osband Thompson who was named the 2016 SIAC Defensive Player of the Year.
The Golden Tigers allowed just 18.46 points per game throughout the season in which they finished 10-3 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II playoffs. The defense allowed just 112.2 yards per game rushing and 184.54 yards passing per game. The team tied the school record for interceptions in a game with five against Morehouse in October during the
Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic in Columbus.
In 2014, the Golden Tigers ranked near the top of the SIAC in every major statistical category; finishing near the top in the conference in scoring defense (20.3 ppg), total defense (306.2 ypg), rushing defense (212.6 ypg), interceptions (14) and sacks (37).
Tuskegee had three of the top 20 leaders in tackling in the SIAC in 2014, led El’Malik Chinn who finished fourth overall averaging 8.4 tackles per game and third overall in total tackles with 101. The Golden Tigers also had three players in the top 10 in sacks in the conference, led by Julian Morgan at 9.5 sacks – good for second overall in the conference. The Golden Tigers also had league leaders in tackles for loss.
The Golden Tigers also finished in the top 20 nationally and top 40 nationally in statistics during the 2014 season. Tuskegee finished 17th in total defense (306.2 ypg) to finish in the top 20. They also finished 28th in passing yards allowed (185.3 ypg), 29th in fourth-down conversion percentage defense (0.346), 30th in rushing defense (120.9 ypg), 34th in scoring defense (20.3 ppg), and 35th in team passing efficiency defense (111.31).
The Golden Tigers also finished in the top 20 nationally and top 40 nationally in statistics during the 2014 season. Tuskegee finished 17th in total defense (306.2 ypg) to finish in the top 20. They also finished 28th in passing yards allowed (185.3 ypg), 29th in fourth-down conversion percentage defense (0.346), 30th in rushing defense (120.9 ypg), 34th in scoring defense (20.3 ppg), and 35th in team passing efficiency defense (111.31).
Tuskegee had multiple members of its defense selected for postseason honors, led by SIAC Co-Freshman of the Year Osband Thompson. He was joined in the SIAC honors by defensive back Miles Robinson (first team), El’Malik Chinn (second team) and Jewell Ratliff (second team). Robinson also earned a selection to the Don Hansen All-Super Region Third Team.
Carter came to Tuskegee after serving six years as the defensive backs coach and head strength and conditioning coach at Southern Arkansas from 2001 until 2006. He has 15-plus years of coaching during his career which include stops at the University of West Alabama as the linebackers coach (one year), Cumberland College (Ky.) where he served as the defensive coordinator, defensive line and strength coach (three years), and Eastern New Mexico State where he served as a graduate assistant and defensive line coach (four years) before his stint at Tuskegee.
He lettered in football at Eastern New Mexico, where he was named the “Best Blocking Back” as a senior. Prior to college, Carter was a prep All-Star at South Pike High School in Mississippi.
Carter is a member of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).
He earned his Bachelor and Masters in Sports Administration from Eastern New Mexico University. Carter is the father of one beautiful daughter, Allesha.
