Jacksonville State undoubtedly made a smooth transition from the FCS. In just its second season in the FBS, the Gamecocks won the Conference USA Championship in a decisive 52-12 victory over Western Kentucky.
But that led to head coach Rich Rodriguez earning another opportunity at West Virginia. Jax State has since hired Charles Kelly to be the next leader of the team after an extensive history as an assistant at several Power Four programs.
Here’s more about Charles Kelly and his resume.
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What’s Jacksonville State Head Coach Charles Kelly’s Salary?
Charles Kelly signed a five-year contract that will pay him $1 million per year before bonuses and other incentives. Former Jax State head coach Rich Rodriguez made $1.06 million in total pay in 2024, 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?
Charles Kelly is 0-0 in the FBS as a head coach.
How Old Is Jacksonville State Head Coach Charles Kelly?
Charles Kelly is 57 years old.
Jacksonville State Head Coach Charles Kelly’s Background
Charles 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.
