COACHING STAFF

About Coach Jackson

With a wide breadth of game-related experience and knowledge complemented by a deep understanding of football program management, Coach Jackson is poised to lead the program with expert on- and off-the-field acumen.

Throughout his career, Jackson has continually raised the bar for student-athletes—and has an impressive track record of success spurring players’ athletic, academic and personal growth. Additionally, his passion for competition has driven measurable improvements for the programs he has served.

Coach Jackson has amassed a notable list of career highlights that will bolster his ability to provide top-notch mentorship and instruction to his players. He has more than 15 years of coaching experience at the NCAA Division I Power 5, NCAA Division II and high school levels, starting as a graduate assistant coach at the University of South Carolina under then-Head Coach Steve Spurrier. At South Carolina, he worked with NFL-level talent daily, coaching in an SEC championship game, during three bowl games (all of which resulted in victory) and back-to-back school record-setting most win seasons. The Gamecocks were consistently ranked in the AP Top 10 poll—ranking as high as third on multiple occasions.

Following his time at South Carolina, Jackson served as defensive coordinator at high school programs in Colorado, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia—helping lead teams to the playoffs in each state and securing college scholarship opportunities for his players along the way. Jackson also coached at Catawba College in North Carolina and Limestone University in South Carolina, generating defensive and special teams accomplishments that led the region, dominated the conference, ranked nationally and significantly improved on previous years’ team and individual performances.

He has served as an academic coordinator on multiple occasions, and rounds out his resume with previous roles as a recruiting coordinator, college recruiter, director of player development and director of community engagement.

Education: 

Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, GA Master of Arts: Teaching Kinesiology and Physical Education

University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC Bachelor of Science: Exercise Science

Family: Wife Ashley Mohr Jackson, sons Hayden (4) and Holden (3).

Coaching Experience: 

2022-2024: Duluth High School, Duluth, GA. Served as Defensive & Recruiting Coordinator, Director of Player Development & Community Engagement, Co-Head Track Coach

2021-2022: Limestone University, Gaffney, SC. Served as Interim Head Football Coach, Special Teams Coordinator/Defensive Pass Game Coordinator, Community Liaison

2018-2021: Catawba College, Salisbury, NC. Served as Special Teams Coordinator, Safeties Coach, Academic Coordinator

2017-2018: East Ridge High School, Clemont, FL. Served as Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebacker Coach

2015-2017: Shiloh High School, Snellville, GA. Served as Associate Head Football Coach, Defensive Coordinator, Linebackers Coach

2014-2015: Emerald High School, Greenwood, SC. Served as Defensive Coordinator, Linebackers Coach, Academic Coordinator

2013-2014: Gateway High School, Aurora, CO. Served as Assistant Head Football Coach, Defensive Coordinator, Linebackers Coach

2007-2013: University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC. Served as Interim Linebackers Coach, Defensive Graduate Assistant Coach

Results and Accomplishments: 

2023: Most wins in a season since 1995, 2nd playoff appearance since 1995, fewest points allowed since 2003

2021- 2022: #3 passing defense in the conference

2018-2021: Nationally ranked special teams unit and players, four all-conference players

2017: Reached the Florida state playoffs for the first time in six years

2015-2016: Gwinnett County Tally Johnson Assistant Coach of the Year

2014: Reached South Carolina state championship quarter finals

2013: Reached Colorado state playoffs

2007-2013: Reached SEC championship game, four bowl game appearances (three bowl game wins), coached during the first South Carolina win against a #1 ranked opponent (Alabama)