This document provides background information on three legendary coaches at Tennessee State University: John Merritt, Joe Gilliam Sr., and Alvin Coleman. It discusses how between 1963 and 1983, under the leadership of these three coaches, the Tennessee State football program achieved great success, including 5 national championships and 5 undefeated seasons while losing only 32 games in 20 years. It explores how they were able to work together and maintain their success for two decades at Tennessee State, dominating HBCU football. The document sets up context around how the three coaches came to be at Tennessee State and their histories prior to arriving at the university.