In a major coaching move, Jacksonville State University has announced the hiring of Charles Kelly as their new head football coach. Kelly, who most recently served as the co-defensive coordinator at Auburn University, will be making a return to Jacksonville State, where he previously held various coaching roles in the 1990s.
A Seasoned Defensive Mastermind
Charles Kelly brings a wealth of experience to the Jacksonville State football program. The 57-year-old coach has made his mark on the defensive side of the ball, serving as a coordinator and position coach at several high-profile programs:
- Auburn University: Co-Defensive Coordinator & Safeties Coach (2022)
- Colorado: Defensive Coordinator (2023)
- Alabama: Associate Defensive Coordinator & Safeties Coach (2019-2022)
Kelly’s defenses have consistently performed at a high level. In his lone season at Auburn, the Tigers finished 7th in the SEC in total defense and 9th in scoring defense. His 2020 Alabama defense helped propel the Crimson Tide to a national championship.
Charles is one of the most respected defensive coaches in college football. His track record speaks for itself. We couldn’t be more excited to bring him back to Jacksonville State.
Greg Seitz, JSU Athletic Director
A Familiar Face Returns
For Charles Kelly, the move to Jacksonville State represents a homecoming of sorts. He previously served on the Gamecocks’ staff in various capacities from 1994-1998:
- Running Backs Coach (1994)
- Defensive Backs Coach (1995)
- Offensive Coordinator (1996)
- Defensive Coordinator (1997-1998)
Kelly’s familiarity with the program and the community was likely a major factor in his hiring. As he takes the reins from Rich Rodriguez, who departed for West Virginia, Kelly will be tasked with building upon the foundation laid by his predecessor.
The Road Ahead
Charles Kelly inherits a Jacksonville State team that has posted an 18-8 record over their first two seasons in the FBS. The Gamecocks are coming off a narrow 30-27 loss to Ohio in the Staff DNA Cure Bowl, a game in which they were coached by interim head coach Rod Smith.
With Kelly at the helm, Jacksonville State will look to take the next step as a program. His defensive prowess and experience at the highest levels of college football should serve the Gamecocks well in the uber-competitive world of FBS football.
I’m thrilled to be back at Jacksonville State. This is a special place with incredible potential. I can’t wait to get to work and help take this program to new heights.
Charles Kelly, JSU Head Coach
As the Charles Kelly era begins at Jacksonville State, expectations will be high. With a seasoned coaching staff and a roster full of talented players, the Gamecocks have all the pieces in place to make some noise in the coming years. Only time will tell if Kelly can lead them to the promised land.
