James Armstrong was named head coach of Auburn soccer on December 3, 2024, returning to the Plains after previously serving as an assistant and associate head coach from 2013–18. A proven leader in the Southeastern Conference, Armstrong came back to Auburn following a highly successful tenure at Mississippi State, where he elevated the Bulldogs to new heights. In 2024, he guided Mississippi State to its first SEC regular season championship with a perfect 10-0 conference record and a program-record 19 wins, earning SEC Coach of the Year honors. During his six seasons in Starkville, he led the Bulldogs to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and back-to-back Sweet 16 finishes.
In his first season back at Auburn, Armstrong instilled a physical, defensively disciplined identity, with the Tigers ranking among the SEC leaders in limiting opponent chances. His previous stint at Auburn included five straight NCAA Tournament appearances, two Sweet 16 runs, and an Elite Eight finish in 2016 — the deepest postseason run in program history. Over his career, Armstrong has coached multiple All-Americans, All-Region selections, and All-SEC honorees while emphasizing academic excellence. A native of Yorkshire, England, Armstrong holds degrees in history and politics from the University of Edinburgh and possesses a USSF A License. He and his wife, Casey, have one daughter, Olivia.
