South Carolina State University is seeking a detail-oriented, energetic, and innovative Special Teams Coordinator / Safeties Coach to lead all aspects of special teams while coaching the defensive secondary, specifically the safety position. This role is critical to the program’s overall success, providing leadership, strategic planning, and on-field instruction within the framework of Bulldog Football’s championship tradition. The ideal candidate will bring creativity to special teams play design and execution, as well as technical expertise in coaching defensive backs.
Primary Responsibilities:
Special Teams Coordination
• Design, implement, and manage all phases of special teams' units: kickoff, kickoff return, punt, punt return, field goal, field goal block, and hands/onside teams.
• Organize and lead special teams' meetings, film review, and game day operations.
• Coordinate personnel across position groups to ensure efficient and effective special teams' execution.
• Scout opposing special teams' tendencies and develop weekly game plans and adjustments.
• Instill discipline, attention to detail, and pride in special teams play as a critical phase of the game.
Safeties Coaching
• Coach the safeties position group with a focus on alignment, assignment, technique, tackling, communication, and ball skills.
• Teach concepts within the broader defensive scheme while emphasizing situational awareness and film study.
• Evaluate player performance, identify development areas, and implement improvement plans.
General Duties
• Assist with recruiting, evaluation, and signing of student-athletes who meet the university’s academic and athletic standards.
• Monitor and support the academic progress and personal development of assigned student-athletes.
• Ensure full compliance with all NCAA, MEAC, and institutional rules and regulations.
• Collaborate with strength & conditioning, academic support, and athletic training staff to foster total player development.
• Represent the program with professionalism and integrity in the community, on campus, and in recruiting efforts.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of three (3) years of collegiate coaching experience, preferably with special teams and/or defensive backs.
• Strong understanding of special teams' schemes, rules, and strategies.
• Technical expertise in coaching defensive backs, particularly safeties.
• Effective communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of and adherence to NCAA rules and recruiting guidelines.
Preferred:
• Prior experience coordinating special teams at the collegiate level.
• Experience coaching at the FCS or FBS level.
• Recruiting experience in the southeastern U.S. and/or HBCU programs.
• Master’s degree in a related field.
Work Expectations:
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and travel as necessary for games and recruiting.
• High-level energy, discipline, and commitment to the university’s mission and football program values.
• Capacity to mentor student-athletes from diverse backgrounds and promote personal growth.
About South Carolina State University Football:
With a deep-rooted legacy of winning and producing NFL talent, South Carolina State Football is one of the premier programs in HBCU athletics. As a member of the MEAC and NCAA Division I FCS, the Bulldogs take pride in playing disciplined, physical football in all three phases of the game. The Special Teams Coordinator / Safeties Coach will play a vital role in helping the team win field position battles, create momentum-shifting plays, and develop an elite back-end defense.