Head Coach

Charles Kelly | Head Football Coach

Jacksonville State Vice President for Athletics Greg Seitz announced the hiring of Charles Kelly as the 30th head football coach in program history on December 21, 2024.

Kelly, a native of Ozark, Alabama, brings nearly 35 years of coaching experience to the Gamecocks, including five seasons at Jax State after being hired by Hall of Fame coach Bill Burgess.

“We are beyond excited to welcome Charles Kelly back to Jacksonville State,” said Seitz. “Coach Kelly’s extensive experience, championship pedigree, and strong ties to Alabama make him the ideal leader for our program. His vision and passion will help us continue the success we’ve enjoyed in our first two years in Conference USA and build on our tradition of excellence.”

Kelly has spent time at some of the top programs in college football, including Alabama, Florida State, Auburn, Tennessee, and Georgia Tech. He has been part of teams that have won two national championships and numerous conference titles.

“First of all, it’s an unbelievable honor to have the opportunity to be the head football coach at Jacksonville State University,” said Kelly. “The standard of excellence at this university and in its athletic programs is second to none, and I am proud to return and build on that incredible tradition.”

Most recently, Kelly served as the co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Auburn, his alma mater. Under his guidance, the Tigers’ defense ranked among the SEC leaders in several categories, including scoring defense and rushing defense. Individually, freshmen Demarcus Riddick and Jay Crawford earned spots on the Freshman All-SEC Team.

Before his time at Auburn, Kelly was the defensive coordinator at Colorado in 2023, where he played a pivotal role in helping turn around the Buffaloes program under head coach Deion Sanders. His players included 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and All-Pac-12 safety Shiloh Sanders.

Kelly also spent four seasons at Alabama with Nick Saban as the associate defensive coordinator and safeties coach. During his tenure, the Crimson Tide achieved a 47-6 record and won a national championship in 2020.

In recognition of his recruiting prowess, Kelly was named the 2023 247Sports National Recruiter of the Year and consistently ranked among the top recruiters in the country.

Kelly’s coaching journey also includes stints at Tennessee, Florida State, Georgia Tech, and Nicholls State. He served as defensive coordinator for four seasons at Florida State, where he helped lead the Seminoles to the first College Football Playoff and mentored several future NFL stars. Earlier in his career, Kelly held roles at Eufaula High School, Henderson State, and Phenix City High School.

“I’d like to thank Coach Hugh Freeze, the Auburn staff, and all the head coaches I’ve worked with throughout my career. I’m also grateful to the players I’ve had the privilege to coach—they’ve all contributed to this opportunity,” said Kelly.

Kelly and his wife, Kristy, have three daughters: Caroline, Kathleen, and Charli Grace.

“I’m thrilled to be here, and it’s time to go to work,” Kelly added.