Jacksonville State undoubtedly made a smooth transition from the FCS. In just its second season in the FBS in 2024, the Gamecocks won the Conference USA Championship in a decisive 52-12 victory over Western Kentucky.
In 2025, Charles Kelly’s first season as Jax State’s head coach, the Gamecocks returned to the CUSA title game but lost to Kennesaw State. They still finished the year strong with a win over Troy in the Salute To Veterans Bowl.
Here’s more about Kelly and his resume:
New Customer Offers at BetMGM
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l Terms
What’s Jacksonville State Head Coach Charles Kelly’s Salary?
Kelly made $1 million in total pay in 2025, according to USA Today.
Charles Kelly’s Coaching History
| Years | Team | Position |
| 2025-Present | Jacksonville St. | HC |
| 2024 | Auburn | Co-DC/S |
| 2023 | Colorado | DC/S |
| 2019-22 | Alabama | Associate DC/S |
| 2018 | Tennessee | STC/S |
| 2014-17 | Florida St. | DC/DBs |
| 2013 | Florida St. | STC/LBs |
| 2012 | Georgia Tech | Interim DC/DBs |
| 2008-12 | Georgia Tech | DBs |
| 2006-07 | Georgia Tech | STC/DBs |
| 2002-05 | Nicholls St. | DC/DBs |
| 1999 | Henderson St. | DC |
| 1994-98 | Jacksonville St. | DC/DBs/RBs |
| 1993 | Auburn | GA |
What’s Jacksonville State Head Coach Charles Kelly’s Record?
Kelly is 9-5 in the FBS as a head coach. He’s 1-0 in bowl games.
How Old Is Jacksonville State Head Coach Charles Kelly?
Kelly is 58 years old.
Jacksonville State Head Coach Charles Kelly’s Background
Kelly came to Jacksonville State after one season as a co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at his alma mater, Auburn, which is also where he began his collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant in 1993. Before that, he was Colorado’s defensive coordinator where he worked with eventual Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.
Before that, he was an associate defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Alabama, which went 47-6 during his time there from 2019-22 and won a national title in 2020. In 2023, Kelly was named the 247Sports National Recruiter of the Year.
He’s also been a defensive coordinator at Florida State (2014-17), Georgia Tech (2012), Nicholls State (2002-05), Henderson State (1999), and Jacksonville State (1994-98). He’s also been a special teams coordinator at Tennessee (2018), Florida State (2013), and Georgia Tech (2006-07). Secondaries have been his primary position group during his time as a coach, having worked with safeties or all defensive backs at Auburn, Colorado, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Nicholls State, and Jacksonville State.
