Jacksonville, AL — Jacksonville State University Vice President for Athletics Greg Seitz has announced the appointment of Charles Kelly as the 30th head football coach in the program’s history.
A native of Ozark, Alabama, Kelly brings nearly 35 years of coaching experience, including five seasons at Jacksonville State under 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 held coaching positions at some of college football’s most prestigious programs, including Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Tennessee, and Georgia Tech. Throughout his career, he has contributed to 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 co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Auburn, where he helped guide the Tigers’ defense to top rankings in the SEC. His mentorship of players like Demarcus Riddick and Jay Crawford led to both being named to the Freshman All-SEC Team.
Prior to his time at Auburn, Kelly was instrumental in turning around Colorado’s football program in 2023 as its defensive coordinator under head coach Deion Sanders. There, he coached standout players including 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.
Kelly also spent four years with Nick Saban at Alabama, where he served as associate defensive coordinator and safeties coach, helping the Crimson Tide secure a national championship in 2020. Recognized for his recruiting acumen, he was named the 2023 247Sports National Recruiter of the Year.
Kelly’s resume includes a successful stint as defensive coordinator at Florida State, where he helped lead the Seminoles to the first College Football Playoff and coached several future NFL stars. He also held coaching roles at Tennessee, Georgia Tech, and multiple high schools early in his career.
“I’d like to thank Coach Hugh Freeze, the Auburn staff, and all the head coaches I’ve worked with throughout my career,” Kelly said. “I’m also grateful to the players I’ve had the privilege to coach—they’ve all contributed to this opportunity.”
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.
With Kelly at the helm, Jacksonville State looks to build on its storied tradition and continued success in Conference USA.
