Charles Kelly was named the 30th head football coach in Jacksonville State history on December 21, 2024, returning to a program where he previously coached early in his career. A native of Ozark, Alabama, Kelly brings nearly 35 years of coaching experience at the high school and collegiate levels, including time with some of the nation’s premier programs. His résumé features stops at Alabama, Florida State, Auburn, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, Colorado, and Nicholls State. Most recently, Kelly served as co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Auburn, his alma mater, where his defense ranked among the SEC leaders in scoring and rushing defense. Recognized nationally for his recruiting success, he was named the 2023 247Sports National Recruiter of the Year.
Prior to Auburn, Kelly coordinated the defense at Colorado under Deion Sanders and previously spent four seasons at Alabama as associate defensive coordinator and safeties coach, contributing to a national championship in 2020 and a 47–6 record during his tenure. He also served as defensive coordinator at Florida State, helping guide the Seminoles to the inaugural College Football Playoff while mentoring numerous future NFL players. Earlier in his career, Kelly coached at Jacksonville State under Hall of Fame coach Bill Burgess, along with high school and collegiate stops throughout the Southeast. Known for his defensive expertise, championship pedigree, and strong ties to Alabama, Kelly returns to lead the Gamecocks as they continue building momentum in Conference USA. He and his wife, Kristy, have three daughters: Caroline, Kathleen, and Charli Grace.
