Talladega College athletic director Andre Payne has announced the appointment of Jameus Hartsfield as the new head coach of the Tornadoes’ men’s basketball program. Hartsfield most recently served as the interim men’s basketball head coach at Texas College. Earlier in his career, Hartsfield helped Wiley College (now Wiley University) achieve a 7th place ranking in the NAIA national men’s basketball polls, the highest in program history. Throughout his career, Hartsfield has proven himself to be a skilled recruiter and administrator.
“I am extremely excited to welcome Coach Jameus Hartsfield to the Dega family. He is very familiar with NAIA basketball as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. He has been a proven winner at all three levels,” said Payne. “As a player he dominated on the court, as an assistant he was a premier recruiter and most importantly he has been a winner as a head coach. Coach Hartsfield not only brings basketball experience but he has worn several hats in higher education and the private sector. I am confident that we have chosen the right coach to lead our young men on and off the court.”
“I’m truly honored to be named head men’s basketball coach at Talladega College,” said Hartsfield. “This opportunity means the world to me and my family. We are excited to be part of a place that feels like home. I’m committed to continuing a program that reflects the pride, tradition and excellence of Talladega College both on and off the court.”
A native of Marlin, Texas, Hartsfield is a former standout student-athlete who played men’s basketball at Texas College from 2004 to 2008. There, he earned national recognition as the NAIA’s leading rebounder for two seasons, 2nd Team All-Conference honors, and he was named Defensive Player of the Year. After graduating, Hartsfield joined Wiley’s men’s basketball staff as a volunteer assistant coach. He helped guide the Wildcats to a 103-84 record from 2008 to 2014. Hartsfield’s talent as a recruiter became apparent as he brought to the program three players who would become NAIA All-Americans.
At the age of 27, Hartsfield was named Wiley’s head coach, making him the youngest in the Red River Athletic Conference at that time. In his first season as head coach, the Wildcats posted a record of 21-12, and they qualified for the NAIA Men’s Basketball National Tournament. Hartsfield was promoted to associate athletic director while guiding the Wildcats to an 18-12 record in 2015. In 2017, the Wildcats enjoyed their second 20-win season with a record of 23-10 and returning to the NAIA tournament. Hartfield’s time with Wiley is also marked by wins over NCAA Division I opponents Sam Houston State University and Grambling State University. Hartfield left Wiley with a 62-34 record overall.
Hartsfield returned to his hometown to coach the Marlin High School boy’s basketball team to four consecutive district championships. In late 2024, he returned to the college ranks as the interim head coach of Texas College upon the passing of Walter Yates.
