Jax State hires former Alabama player as new defensive coordinator
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Jacksonville State’s new coach Charles Kelly has some big shoes to fill since the departure of Rich Rodriguez and he’s hoping to get some familiar faces to help the Gamecocks on the field.
Former Alabama player and graduate assistant Vinnie Sunseri will be joining Kelly’s staff as defensive coordinator. Sunseri, who has never been a defensive coordinator, spent the 2024 season as Washington’s safeties coach.
Keep reading to learn more about Sunseri’s resume + see how else Jax State’s new staff is connected to areas around the state.
Vinnie Sunseri
Sunseri played three seasons with the Crimson Tide, helping Alabama win national championships in 2011 and 2012. During his time in Tuscaloosa, Sunseri accounted for 105 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, four interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.
After his collegiate career, Sunseri was selected in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played for the Saints, Patriots and 49ers before returning home as a graduate assistant for the Crimson Tide. Since then, his coaching stops have included:
- New England Patriots, defensive assistant (2020)
- New England Patriots, running backs coach (2021-2023)
- University of Washington, safeties coach (2024)
Sunseri is a Tuscaloosa native, graduating from Northridge High School. His father, Sal, is a longtime college and NFL coach, having coached alongside Kelly at Alabama, Florida State, and Colorado. His brother, Tino, played quarterback at Pitt and is now the offensive coordinator at UCLA.
“Vinnie is one of the brightest young coaches in the country. He brings unparalleled energy, a wealth of football knowledge, and a relentless commitment to excellence. His experience as both a player and coach at the highest levels of the game makes him the perfect fit to lead our defense to new heights. We can’t wait to see the impact he’ll have on our program.”
~ Charles Kelly, Jax State head coach
Charles Kelly takes over
Charles Kelly was officially announced as the new head coach not long after Rich Rodriguez went back to Morgantown.
Kelly has plenty of playing and coaching experience in the state, dating all the way back to his youth football days. The Ozark native played college ball at Auburn before immediately moving into coaching roles with Phenix City and Eufaula high schools.
He got his first collegiate football job as a Graduate Assistant at Auburn. His other stops as an assistant coach have included:
- Jax State (1994-1998)
- Nicholls State (2002-2005)
- Georgia Tech (2006-2012)
- Florida State (2013-2017)
- Alabama (2019-2022)
- Colorado (2023)
- Auburn (2024)
He has been on staff for two national championship teams during his career. Jacksonville State will be his first stop as a Division I head coach.
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