Is Charles Kelly Leaving Colorado? Why is Charles Kelly Leaving Colorado?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jan 05, 2024
Is Charles Kelly Leaving Colorado?
Colorado's defensive coordinator, Charles Kelly, is set to depart from the program and join Auburn as a defensive assistant, as reported by 247Sports reporter Matt Zenith. Kelly, who joined Colorado from Nick Saban's staff at Alabama, played a crucial role in recruiting for the Buffs over the past two classes. However, Colorado's defense struggled significantly in the previous season, ranking among the worst in FBS by allowing an average of 34.8 points per game. Despite the challenges, Kelly was determined to address the defensive issues in 2024 and leaves after securing a top 25 recruiting class, a blend of both recruits and transfers.
The move to Auburn holds personal significance for Kelly, as it marks a return to his home state and alma mater, where he played for the Tigers in the late 80s and served as a graduate assistant in 1993. This transition to Hugh Freeze's staff at Auburn coincides with the team's appearance in the Music City Bowl against Maryland, signaling a full-circle moment in Kelly's career. The departure leaves Deion Sanders, Colorado's head coach, facing the task of finding a suitable replacement, with potential candidates including former NFL coach Mike Zimmer and recently appointed Syracuse assistant Nick Williams.
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Who is Charles Kelly?
Charles Kelly is an accomplished American football coach and former player who is currently serving as the co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach for the Auburn Tigers football team. His decision to leave Colorado is rooted in his professional growth and a new opportunity at Auburn. Notably, Kelly has a rich history of success, having secured a national championship with the Florida State Seminoles in 2013 while being a part of their coaching staff. Additionally, his expertise contributed to the Alabama Crimson Tide's undefeated run and College Football Playoff National Championship in 2020, where he served as the co-defensive coordinator.
Kelly's departure from Colorado signifies a strategic move in his coaching career, aligning with his impressive track record and commitment to top-tier college football programs. As he transitions to Auburn, his wealth of experience and championship-winning background positions him as a valuable asset to the Tigers' coaching staff, further solidifying his reputation in the college football coaching landscape.
Specifications
Details
Name
Charles Kelly
Gender
Male
Profession
Football Coach
Date of Birth
September 8, 1967
Place of Birth
Unknown (Not specified in the provided text)
Age
56
Parents
Unknown (Not specified in the provided text)
Marital Status
Married
Wife Name
Kristy (Not explicitly mentioned in the text)
Children
Three daughters - Caroline, Kathleen, Charli Grace
Charles Kelly Career
Charles Kelly's football journey has been marked by a diverse and successful coaching career. A former college football player at Auburn from 1986 to 1989, Kelly transitioned to coaching, starting as an assistant at Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, from 1990 to 1992. His early coaching roles included serving as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Eufaula High School from 2000 to 2001.
Entering the college coaching ranks, Kelly began as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Auburn University, in 1993. His career then unfolded with various coaching positions, notably at Jacksonville State University, where he progressed from running backs coach to offensive coordinator and ultimately to defensive coordinator. Kelly also had coaching stints at Henderson State University and Nicholls State University, where he contributed as a defensive coordinator.
In 2006, he joined Georgia Tech, initially as special teams coordinator and later as cornerbacks coach. Noteworthy was his role as interim defensive coordinator in the 2010 season, helping the team make defensive improvements and secure a victory in the Hyundai Sun Bowl. Kelly continued to enhance his coaching prowess, moving to Florida State University in 2013, where he played a key role in winning the national championship.
His tenure at Florida State extended to becoming the defensive coordinator from 2014 to 2017. Subsequently, Kelly took on roles at the University of Tennessee and the University of Alabama, showcasing his versatility as a special teams coordinator and safeties coach. Notably, on December 7, 2022, he was appointed as the defensive coordinator at Colorado under the leadership of head coach Deion Sanders, adding a new chapter to his impactful coaching career.
Charles Kelly Family
Charles Kelly's family is an integral part of his life, and he shares a close-knit bond with his wife, Kristy, and their three daughters. The Kelly family includes Caroline, Kathleen, and Charli Grace, and together, they form a supportive unit for Charles in both his personal and professional endeavors. While Charles is known for his accomplishments in the world of college football coaching, his family life underscores the importance of balance and connection outside the sports arena.
The presence of his wife and three daughters suggests a strong foundation of family values, and it's likely that they play a significant role in shaping the coach's life beyond the football field. The Kelly family's shared experiences and the support they provide each other contribute to the holistic picture of Charles Kelly's life, highlighting the importance of family amidst the demands of a high-profile coaching career.
Charles Kelly Net Worth
Charles Kelly Net Worth is $1 million. His primary source of income stems from his lucrative career in college football coaching. With an extensive coaching journey that includes notable positions at various universities, Kelly has earned substantial salaries over the years. His roles as a defensive coordinator, special teams coordinator, and safeties coach at institutions like Florida State University, the University of Alabama, and the University of Tennessee have contributed significantly to his financial success. These coaching roles in high-profile football programs come with competitive compensation packages, reflecting Kelly's expertise and the demands of his responsibilities in shaping successful collegiate football teams.
In addition to his coaching income, Kelly may also benefit from endorsement deals, speaking engagements, and other opportunities within the sports industry. Successful and respected coaches often have the chance to leverage their reputation for additional income streams. While the specifics of his non-coaching income are not explicitly outlined, it's common for accomplished coaches like Charles Kelly to explore various avenues to maximize their earnings and capitalize on their standing in the football community.
Why is Charles Kelly Leaving Colorado?
Charles Kelly's departure from Colorado is attributed to his move to Auburn, where he will join Hugh Freeze's staff as a defensive assistant. The decision marks a return to his home state and alma mater, Auburn Tigers, where he played in the late 80s and served as a graduate assistant in 1993. While at Colorado, Kelly played a crucial role as the defensive coordinator, and despite the defensive challenges the team faced, he aimed to address and improve these issues heading into the 2024 season. The opportunity to contribute to Auburn's football program, coupled with personal ties to the university, likely influenced Kelly's decision to leave Colorado.
Is Charles Kelly Leaving Colorado - FAQs
Yes, Charles Kelly is leaving Colorado. According to reports from 247Sports reporter Matt Zenith, he is set to join Auburn as a defensive assistant.
Charles Kelly is leaving Colorado to take on a new role as a defensive assistant at Auburn. This move marks a return to his home state and alma mater, where he played for the Tigers in the late 80s and previously served as a graduate assistant in 1993.
Charles Kelly served as the defensive coordinator at Colorado. Despite challenges faced by the team's defense, he aimed to address and improve these issues heading into the 2024 season.
Charles Kelly spent approximately a year at Colorado. He joined the program under head coach Deion Sanders and played a crucial role as the defensive coordinator.
Possible replacements for Charles Kelly at Colorado include former NFL coach Mike Zimmer and former assistant Nick Williams. Deion Sanders, the head coach of Colorado, is reportedly considering candidates for the vacant defensive coordinator position.