Ray Pickering begins his first season as the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks coach at Norfolk State University.
Pickering arrives at NSU after an impressive stint at the University of Texas where he helped accumulate a Top 3 National Signing Class.
During his time at Texas, Pickering was an offensive assistant, working with the offensive lineman which produced freshman All-American, Kelvin Banks. He helped a unit that improved vastly during the second year of head coach Steve Sarkisian that propelled running backs Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson to career bests. Pickering played a critical role that helped create a new culture for the Longhorns that witnessed drastic improvement from year one. The Longhorns finished second in the Big 12 Conference and competed in the Valero Alamo Bowl against Pac-12 member, Washington.
Prior to Texas, Pickering was the Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks coach at Lane College, where he helped produce one of the most explosive teams in the conference as well as school history. Pickering’s offense ranked among the top tier, setting several records for Lane College. Behind his leadership, Lane was able to reel off several first time wins in school history. During his tenure, Lane College also set several offensive school records as Pickering orchestrated an offense that produced two All-Americans and four All-Conference players. His quarterback, Michael Huntley, was an All-Conference quarterback for the Dragons, and also produced the No. 1 WR/Specialist in Anthony Evelyn for the conference.
Over the course of his career, Pickering has accumulated an impressive resume that includes 13 years as an Offensive Coordinator and Quarterback coach, while also serving as head baseball coach. His teams have played for five state championships, nine South State titles, and 11 regional championships.
During his tenure, Pickering has had a total of nine quarterbacks, all who have gone on to play at the next level. He has produced one Mr. Football in the State of Mississippi, eight Dandy Dozens, 12 All-Americans, and over 150 offensive players who have went on to play at the collegiate level. Most notably of that group include Kelvin Banks (Texas), DJ Campbell (Texas), Cam Williams (Texas), Charles Cross (Seattle Seahawks), Omar Bayless (Carolina Panthers), Bopete Keyes (Kansas City Chiefs), Keon Howard (Tulane), Chance Newman (Jacksonville State), Snoop Connor (Jacksonville Jaguars), Octavious Cooley (Ole Miss), and Dontario Drummond (Ole Miss).
Pickering is known for his innovation and extensive knowledge of the game on the offensive side of the ball. His passion and energy for the game helps bring out the best in the athletes under his tutelage. He prides himself on being able to relate to his players and makes mentoring and teaching his players a primary focus.
Prior to Lane, Pickering was Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator at Moss Point High School, Hattiesburg High School, Daphne High School, Laurel High School, and his alma mater West Jones High School. He was also Head Baseball coach at Laurel, and Assistant Baseball Coach at Hattiesburg where their team won the 2018 5A State Championship.
Pickering is a graduate with honors from West Jones High School where he was a three-sport standout in football, basketball, and baseball, earning All-State in each sport.
A native of Laurel, Miss., Pickering is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where he received a bachelor's in Coaching Education. He earned his master's in Secondary Education and Sports Administration from William Carey University. Pickering also spent time at Jones Junior College and Alabama State University where he played collegiate football and baseball.
