Former HBCU Coach of the Year Jerry Mack Emerges as Southern Miss Candidate

A prominent figure in HBCU football, Jerry Mack, has been identified as a serious candidate for the head coaching position at Southern Miss. Currently serving as the running backs coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Mack’s coaching background spans both collegiate and professional levels, making him an attractive prospect for the role, according to Pete Nakos.

Mack’s coaching pedigree is well-established, especially from his time at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). As head coach from 2014 to 2017, he led the Eagles to a 31–15 record, including an appearance at the 2016 Celebration Bowl, where NCCU narrowly lost to Grambling State, 10-9. His success that season earned him HBCU and MEAC Coach of the Year honors after guiding the Eagles to at least a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) title three times.

Before moving to the NFL this past offseason, Mack served as the offensive coordinator at Rice and was instrumental in recruiting and developing talent during his three seasons coaching running backs at Tennessee. One of his most notable achievements with the Volunteers was mentoring standout player Dylan Sampson, who ranks tenth in college football this season with 838 rushing yards.

Mack’s coaching career began as a graduate assistant at Delta State, and he later moved on to various roles at programs, including Jackson State, Central Arkansas, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Memphis, and South Alabama. His diverse experience has seen him work across multiple offensive coaching roles, from wide receivers to quarterbacks and, eventually, offensive coordinator. This extensive resume has made him a respected name in coaching circles.

Here’s a closer look at Jerry Mack’s coaching journey:

• Delta State (2004–2005): Graduate Assistant
• Jackson State (2006–2007): Wide Receivers & Tight Ends Coach
• Central Arkansas (2008–2009): Pass Game Coordinator & Wide Receivers Coach
• Arkansas–Pine Bluff (2010): Offensive Coordinator & Quarterbacks Coach
• Memphis (2011): Wide Receivers Coach
• South Alabama (2012–2013): Wide Receivers Coach
• North Carolina Central (2014–2017): Head Coach
• Rice (2018): Offensive Coordinator & Quarterbacks Coach
• Rice (2019–2020): Assistant Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator & Quarterbacks Coach
• Tennessee (2021–2023): Running Backs Coach
• Jacksonville Jaguars (2024–Present): Running Backs Coach

Jerry Mack’s background as a player also ties him to the HBCU community. He played college football at Jackson State and later returned to his alma mater as a coach. His deep-rooted connections to HBCU football and proven track record in coaching and player development could make him a valuable asset for Southern Miss as they consider their next head coach.

Feature photo credit: North Carolina Central Eagles head coach Jerry Mack on the sidelines of their game on Sept. 2, 2017, against the Duke Blue Devils in the first half at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mark Dolejs-Imagn Images