Jerry Mack, the new head football coach at Kennesaw State University, is focusing on building relationships and community engagement as he leads the Owls into a new era. Hired in December as only the second head coach in the program’s history, Mack emphasized that his decisions are driven by the people around him.
“Everything in my life has been about making decisions based off the people that you interact with,” Mack said.
Initially unfamiliar with Kennesaw State, Mack said he quickly felt comfortable during the interview process after meeting President Kathy S. Schwaig, Director of Athletics Milton Overton, and university alumni.
“I saw that a strong foundation and some great traditions already were in place, and I was really excited about the chance to build on that and help take Kennesaw State football into its next chapter,” Mack said. “What impressed me most, though, is how committed the people here are to the success of this program. That made the opportunity even more exciting.”
Since arriving in January, Mack has worked to connect with various campus departments including Student Affairs, Admissions, Housing and Residence Life, University Dining, and Campus Services to promote football within KSU.
“We have been very appreciative of all the support that our on-campus partners have given us since we got here in January,” Mack said. “We want everybody to be invested in our program. That’s the only way we’re going to really have success.”
Mack also highlighted the importance of broader community involvement as KSU enters its second season competing in Conference USA at the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level. He noted that increased national exposure from televised games can raise KSU’s profile but stressed that an engaged local fanbase is crucial.
“When the football team has success, everybody in the surrounding area benefits,” he said. “We want the community to think of KSU football as their team. As kids grow up seeing the Kennesaw State brand and they become good football players, they see us as an option.”
With two decades of coaching experience—including roles with NFL teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and college programs such as Tennessee—Mack brings a varied background to his new position. His previous achievements include leading North Carolina Central to three consecutive conference championships and helping Tennessee reach 11 wins for the first time in over two decades.
“Coach Mack’s values and professional qualifications align with the strategic direction of our football program,” Overton said. “He has 20 years of coaching experience at all levels, has shown a longstanding ability to connect with players, and owns a relentless recruiting mindset.”
Mack plans to implement an up-tempo offensive style similar to what he coached at Tennessee—where his offense led college football in points per game during 2022—and expects continued growth for both players and fans.
“In FBS, the game is faster, the players are bigger, and I think that’s what fans are going to see as we continue to grow our program,” he said. “Year 1 of the Mack era won’t look like Year 3 of the Mack era, just for the simple fact that you have to continue to grow and build your program.”
Recruiting remains a focus for Mack as he aims for improvement beyond last season’s two-win debut at FBS level—a campaign highlighted by a win over Liberty at Fifth Third Stadium.
“I like to refer to it as a basketball-on-grass kind of mindset,” Mack said of his fast-paced offense. “All those things – the different formations, the ball being passed downfield, guys making explosive plays – are going to be exciting to see when you come to the games.”
