Can a coach build a championship program by focusing entirely on the people involved?
In short: Jerry Mack, the new head coach at Kennesaw State University, believes that success in college football is rooted in human connection. With two decades of experience across the NFL and SEC, Mack is now applying a fast-paced, basketball-inspired offensive strategy to elevate the Owls in the competitive Football Bowl Subdivision.
Jerry Mack arrived at Kennesaw State in December 2024, tasked with leading the university's football program into its next chapter. His philosophy centers on the idea that every decision should be guided by the people one interacts with. Upon his arrival in January, Mack prioritized building relationships across campus, actively collaborating with departments ranging from student affairs to dining services to foster a unified culture of support. He views this community engagement as vital for a program competing at the highest level of college football, the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
Mack brings a wealth of experience to this role, having spent twenty years coaching at various levels, including stints in the Southeastern Conference and the National Football League. His resume includes serving as the running backs coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the University of Tennessee, where he helped guide the Volunteers to their first 11-win season in over two decades. During his time at Tennessee, he oversaw an offense that led the nation in scoring, averaging 44.5 points per game in 2022. He previously led North Carolina Central to three consecutive conference titles between 2014 and 2016.
At Kennesaw State, Mack is implementing an up-tempo offensive scheme he describes as a basketball-on-grass approach. This strategy emphasizes utilizing the full width and length of the field, employing diverse formations, and maintaining a high pace to maximize the number of plays per game. While he acknowledges that the first year of his tenure will look different from the third as the program matures, his goal is to recruit talent capable of competing in Conference USA. By blending his tactical expertise with a commitment to community and player development, Mack aims to transform the Owls into a consistent contender.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Kennesaw State coach Jerry Mack embraces relationships, community as KSU football enters new era - News
- Also: Jerry Mack
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