This past year, Charles Kelly served as Co-Defensive Coordinator and Safeties coach at Auburn under head coach Hugh Freeze. Next year, Kelly will be pacing the sidelines in Jacksonville, Alabama, as the new head coach at Jacksonville State University.
Kelly becomes the 30th head football coach in JSU history and replaces Rich Rodriguez, who became the head coach at West Virginia on December 12. This will be Kelly’s second stint in Jacksonville, as he was originally hired as an assistant by JSU Hall of Fame coach Bill Burgess. Kelly served as an assistant for the Gamecocks in various capacities from 1994-98.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Charles Kelly back to Jacksonville State,” said JSU Vice President for Athletics Greg 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.”
A native of Ozark, Alabama, Kelly brings nearly 35 years of coaching experience to the Gamecocks and has also served as an assistant coach at some of the top programs in the country, including Alabama, Florida State, Auburn, Tennessee, and Georgia Tech. He has served under notable coaches such as Nick Saban, Deion Sanders, Jimbo Fisher, and Hugh Freeze. Along the way, Kelly has been a part of teams that have won two national titles 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.”
Under Kelly’s guidance, the Tigers’ defense in 2024 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 in 2023 served the defensive coordinator at Colorado, where he helped head coach Deion Sanders turn around the Buffaloes program. His players included 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and All-Pac-12 safety Shiloh Sanders.
Kelly spent four seasons at Alabama with Saban as the associate defensive coordinator and safeties coach. During his tenure, the Crimson Tide was 47-6 and captured a national title 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.
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. TG
Cover photo courtesy Auburn Athletics
