KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State Athletics approved a new six-year contract for head football coach
Jerry Mack on Wednesday. The new contract adds two years beyond Mack's previous agreement, extending him through 2031.
"From his earliest days to our conference championship, Coach Mack has led with integrity, humility, and intention, reflecting the very best of Kennesaw State Athletics," said Kennesaw State President
Kathy S. Schwaig. "We celebrate him not just for the wins on the field, but for the way he cares about the players and for the strong sense of community he has built within the program."
In Year 1 at the helm of the Owls, Mack has orchestrated one of the best turnarounds in college football this season, taking a 2-10 Kennesaw State team in their first year of FBS play and turning them into a 10-3 Conference USA Championship team.
Mack has received both regional and national recognition for his efforts, being named Conference USA Coach of the Year, a finalist for the 2025 Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year Award and a semifinalist for the George Munger National Coach of the Year honor.
In Mack's five years as a collegiate head football coach, he's won four conference championships and earned two conference coach of the year honors.
"Winning the Conference USA Championship in Coach Mack's first season is a powerful affirmation of his exceptional leadership, his clarity of vision, and the championship standard he brings to our program," Director of Athletics
Milton Overton said. "From the moment he arrived on campus, Jerry has shown an unwavering commitment to our student-athletes and to building a culture of excellence at Kennesaw State."
Overton continued, "Jerry's strategic approach to recruiting, developing, and elevating talent within his system is extraordinary. We are blessed with the steadfast support of President Schwaig, whose leadership positions KSU Athletics for long-term, sustainable success. Coach Mack's commitment to Kennesaw State through this contract extension provides a clear pathway for continued competitive excellence and gives Owl Nation a leader we can proudly rally behind. I encourage all of Owl Nation to invest in our vision—support the Owls Fund and help provide our student-athletes and coaches the resources they need to achieve even greater heights."
SUPPORT THE OWLS FUND
Kennesaw State's 10 wins in 2025 mark:
- Only the fourth time a team has won 10 or more games in its second year of FBS reclassification (Sam Houston – 2024; Appalachian State 2015; Marshall – 1997).
- The seventh-biggest year-over-year turnaround in college football history (+8 games)
- The fifth-largest year-over-year turnaround since 2000 and the third-largest in the last 10 seasons.
Ranking eighth in ESPN's strength of record among Group of Five teams, KSU defeated five .500 or better programs. The Owls also finished the season receiving votes in the Associated Poll Top 25 and the USA Today Coaches Poll for the first time in program history.
Mack was able to mesh a strong group of transfers with the fifth-fewest returners (43) into a team that fought to win more one-possession games (6) than any other FBS program in 2025.
"I'm grateful to President Schwaig and Athletic Director
Milton Overton for their continued support of me, my family, our coaching staff and Kennesaw State football," Mack said. "From my very first day, I've valued the continued alignment of our administration and university in building a championship program and I know together we'll continue to be able to achieve great things."
Impressively, the Owls led CUSA in scoring (28.3) and touchdowns (47), while allowing the third-fewest points (24.3) in the league and leading the league in sacks (31).
Kennesaw State produced a league-best 16 all-Conference USA selections this year, highlighted by CUSA Co-Defensive Player of the Year
Baron Hopson. Including Hopson, the Owls garnered a whopping 10 first- and second-teamers – the most for KSU in four years.
Mack and the Owls will head to Conway, S.C. to play in the 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl – Kennesaw State's first-ever bowl appearance in its second year of FBS action. Fans are encouraged to purchase their Myrtle Beach Bowl tickets from KSU Athletics by
CLICKING HERE in order to guarantee being seated in blocks with other Kennesaw State fans in attendance.
The Owls Fund
The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Join The Owls Fund here and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.
For more information on Kennesaw State athletics, follow @KennesawStFB on X/Twitter or like Kennesaw State Football on Facebook and Instagram.
