Jerry Mack Officially Introduced as New Kennesaw State Football Coach

Kennesaw State University welcomed Jerry Mack as the second permanent head coach in the football program’s history during a press event at the KSU Convocation Center. Mack, 44, steps into the role with enthusiasm and a vision to transform the Owls into a top-tier team in college football. Mack replaces founding coach Brian Bohannon, who was dismissed following a 1-8 start to the season. Under interim coach Chandler Burks, the team finished 2-10 overall and 2-6 in Conference USA in its debut season as a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program.

Mack shared his ambitious plans for the program, stating, “We want to be as good as we want to be, and we want to be as fast as we want to be. Let it be known throughout the country: Kennesaw State is coming.” Despite the program’s struggles in its transition to FBS, Mack is determined to build momentum and instill fear in future opponents. “We have the opportunity of a lifetime here, and we don’t want to let it slip away,” he added.

The new coach joins Kennesaw State after serving as the running backs coach for the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars and previously holding the same position at the University of Tennessee. He plans toimplement an offense inspired by Tennessee’s balanced, big-play approach under coach Josh Heupel. Defensively, Mack envisions a fast and aggressive unit to improve upon the Owls’ performance, which saw the team rank seventh in the conference for points allowed per game (31.2). His first tasks include convincing nearly 30 players who entered the transfer portal to stay, evaluating the current coaching staff, and preparing for early National Signing Day. KSU currently has five verbal commitments, though it remains unclear how many will sign early or wait until February.

Details regarding Mack’s contract and budget for hiring assistants were not disclosed. Bohannon, the lowest-paid head coach in Conference USA, earned $376,000 this past season. Mack’s prior experience as head coach at North Carolina Central, where he successfully navigated limited resources, may prove invaluable. “I like to blend the things I’ve learned from power-four programs, the NFL, and lower-resource schools to give our student-athletes the best experience possible,” Mack explained.

As Mack takes the reins, he brings a commitment to innovation, resourcefulness, and a clear vision for the future of KSU football. His leadership is poised to usher in a new era for the Owls and elevate the program’s standing in college football.