GRAMBLING, La., Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Grambling State University in Louisiana Friday named Rod Broadway to succeed former head football coach Melvin Spears, who was fired last fall.

Broadway posted a record of 33-11 in four years at Division II North Carolina Central University, including an 11-1 record in the 2006 season.

"We are elated that Rod Broadway has agreed to take the leadership reigns of the Grambling State University football program," said Grambling State athletic director Troy Mathieu.

Broadway was an assistant coach at Division I East Carolina, Duke, Florida and North Carolina before joining North Carolina Central.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to coach at Grambling State University because it's considered the pinnacle of black college football," said Broadway.