News about the potential hiring of former Colorado defensive coordinator Charles Kelly emerged on December 30, just before Auburn’s Music City Bowl game against Maryland. The official confirmation of Kelly joining the Auburn football program was announced on January 12 by Hugh Freeze. Kelly, a native of Ozark, Ala., and a former player for the Tigers from 1986-89, brings valuable football knowledge, recruiting skills, and an understanding of the Auburn and Southeastern Conference landscape.
Freeze expressed excitement about having Kelly on the staff, emphasizing his football acumen and recruiting prowess. Kelly, who spent the previous season as Colorado’s defensive coordinator under Deion Sanders, expressed gratitude for returning to his alma mater and working with Freeze.
Kelly’s hiring follows the departures of Auburn defensive assistants Wesley McGriff and Ron Roberts, who left for Texas A&M and Florida, respectively. Before his stint at Colorado, Kelly was with Alabama, serving as the associate defensive coordinator and safeties coach from 2019-22, contributing to the Crimson Tide’s success, including a national title in 2020.
Welcoming back an outstanding football mind and the 2023 National Recruiter of the Year.
Charles Kelly is home.
📝 https://t.co/ar16V4UNm8 | #WarEagle🦅 pic.twitter.com/Qs6m6NOa02
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) January 12, 2024
Kelly’s coaching career includes stops at Tennessee, where he was the defensive coordinator in 2018, and Florida State, where he held various roles, including special teams coordinator, linebackers coach, and defensive coordinator. His tenure at Florida State saw the Seminoles consistently ranked among the top 25 in defense.
Notably, Kelly coached several NFL Draft picks during his time at Florida State, including first-rounders Jalen Ramsey and Derwin James. His coaching career began in 2006 at Georgia Tech, where he served as the special teams coordinator for seven seasons.
Auburn’s recruiting efforts are expected to receive a significant boost with Kelly’s addition, given his recognition as the national recruiter of the year by 247 Sports. Kelly expressed eagerness to contribute to the program’s success and uphold the standards of championship football that Auburn deserves, citing the Auburn Creed’s emphasis on hard work.