Central Baptist College announced the departure of head coach Cody Henson and the appointment of Rashad Allen as his successor, marking a pivotal moment for the Mustangs program.
Allen arrives after a standout season in which he steered the team to a 27‑6 record, captured a 17‑1 mark in the AMC and advanced to the NAIA Tournament second round. His tenure as an assistant was preceded by two years on the junior varsity staff, where he compiled a 13‑15 record before the breakthrough.
A Coach Defined by Discipline and Character
Beyond the win‑loss column, Allen’s philosophy centers on hard work, teamwork and excellence in the classroom. He stresses leadership, accountability and a culture of preparation that he believes will elevate both athletic and academic performance.
Athletic director Lyle Middleton highlighted Allen’s ability to build relationships with players, develop talent and instill a mindset of relentless improvement. Middleton noted that Allen’s vision aligns with the college’s mission to foster holistic growth in its student‑athletes.
In his introductory remarks, Allen expressed gratitude to God, his family and Middleton, calling the opportunity a lifelong dream. He played for the Mustangs during the 2021‑22 season before graduating in December 2022, giving him an intimate understanding of the program’s culture.
Allen’s coaching résumé includes multiple All‑AMC selections, Defensive Player of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year honors, underscoring his capacity to identify and nurture talent. He now aims to translate that eye for detail into a sustained winning tradition at Central Baptist College.