Charles Kelly’s move to become the head football coach at Jacksonville State marked a significant step in his career, one that he had been waiting for with anticipation. His tenure at Auburn, where he served as the co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach under Hugh Freeze, had been impactful yet brief. This transition came despite the strong ties and emotional connections he had with Auburn, his alma mater.
The Decision to Leave Auburn
Leaving Auburn was a tough decision for Kelly, especially because of the relationships he had built with the players and fellow coaches. Reflecting on his departure, Kelly emphasized the difficulty in leaving behind the young talent he had nurtured. He acknowledged the potential and promise of these players, underscoring that his decision was not a reflection of Auburn but rather an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
“It was tough,” Kelly said on Sunday. “There are a lot of great coaches down there, and there are a lot of really good, young players. I think the toughest thing for me was, and it had nothing to do with Jacksonville State: the toughest thing was leaving those players.”
Announced as Head Coach at Jacksonville State
On Saturday, Jacksonville State officially announced Charles Kelly as their next head football coach, succeeding Rich Rodriguez, who moved on to West Virginia. This new role represents a significant career milestone for Kelly, who sees great potential in the Jacksonville State program.
Recruiting Success at Auburn
Kelly’s reputation as one of the nation’s top recruiters was well-earned during his time at Auburn. He played a crucial role in bringing in top talent, contributing to Auburn’s No. 6 recruiting class for the 2025 cycle, as ranked by 247Sports and On3. His ability to attract top prospects was a testament to his recruiting acumen and the relationships he built with players.
Vision for Auburn’s Future
Even as he transitions to Jacksonville State, Kelly remains optimistic about Auburn’s future. He highlighted the young talent on Auburn’s roster, particularly noting Jay Crawford and Kaleb Harris, who both earned spots on the Pro Football Focus All-American team. Kelly’s comments reflect his belief in the foundation laid during his tenure and the potential for continued success.
Collaboration and Appreciation
Kelly expressed deep appreciation for the collaborative environment within Auburn’s defensive staff. He praised colleagues like Keldric Faulk and head coach Hugh Freeze, emphasizing the strength of the coaching team. He also singled out D.J. Durkin, Auburn’s defensive coordinator, for their excellent working relationship.
“I thought people like Keldric Faulk, those guys, they can really play up front,” Kelly said. “Of course, there’s always pieces you can find that you have to do to get better. But you know, listen, coach Durkin and the rest of the staff, they’ll do a great job. I’ll tell you this, I enjoyed working with D.J. Durkin is as good as anybody that I work with and my career. I felt like we had a good relationship, we worked good together.”
Fond Memories and Future Outlook
Kelly fondly remembered working with the entire defensive staff, mentioning CrimeDawg, Wesley McGriff, Josh Aldridge, who is now the defensive coordinator at East Carolina, and Vontrell Williams. The camaraderie and shared commitment to the team’s success made his time at Auburn fulfilling and enjoyable.
“All the staff: CrimeDawg, Wesley McGriff, Josh Aldridge, who is now the defense coordinator at East Carolina, and Vontrell Williams. It was a collaborative effort, and it was fun to go to work every day.”
As Kelly embarks on his new journey at Jacksonville State, he carries with him the experiences and lessons learned at Auburn, confident that both he and his former team are on paths to success.
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