Jerry Mack, the head football coach at Kennesaw State, capped the 2025‑26 campaign with a 10‑win season that culminated in the program’s first Conference USA championship.
The achievement earned him both the 2025 Conference USA Coach of the Year award and the Paul "Bear" Bryant National Newcomer Coach of the Year honor, underscoring the rapid rise of his program.
The Forum’s Impact on Modern Coaching
Mack attributes much of his growth to the NCAA Champion Forum, where intensive workshops sharpened his leadership and communication abilities, tools he now wields on the sidelines.
His coaching philosophy rests on three pillars — sacrifice, passion, and vision — values he says were modeled for him by his parents, who embodied consistency and hard work.
Beyond X's and O's, Mack stresses mentorship, urging players and young assistants to share a common purpose that extends beyond the field and into the broader community.
In quieter moments, he recharges by scrolling through YouTube, a simple habit that offers a mental reset amid the demands of college football.