He talked with GEP to tell us about his time as a Golden Eagle and his new career as a coach.
Jeff Kelly, from Deer Park, Alabama, was a three year starter at quarterback for the Golden Eagles from 1999-2001. He led USM to a 23-12 record, won two bowl games, was named the 1999 Liberty Bowl Most Valuable Offensive Player, and graduated with a 4.0 GPA with a master’s degree in business administration.
His impressive career at Southern Miss opened the door for an opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage. In April of 2002 Kelly was the 21st pick in the 7th round of the Seattle Seahawks. It was truly a dream come true. “I lived on a dirt road in Alabama, and grew up watching these guys on TV. I was not expected to get drafted, but I always waited for that opportunity.”
As I listened to Kelly talk about his time in the NFL, it was obvious the relationships he made that were most important to him. “I got to know some unbelievable guys; they were real people like you and me.” Talking about the players, he continued, “I became especially close to Trent Dilfer and Matt Hasslebeck. Trent was a guy I learned a lot from as a person. He went through a lot, and was always knocked real hard. The strength he showed is something I will never forget.”
The year Kelly spent in the NFL also began to stir a desire that he didn’t expect. “It hit me that I needed to soak up as much as possible while I am here. I was coached by guys like Mike Holmgren and current Redskins head coach Jim Zorn.” Making the most of the experience of being coached by some of the game’s best, an opportunity presented itself that appealed to Kelly. Even in the bright lights of the NFL, Kelly never forgot his roots deeply planted in South Alabama.
Jeff Kelly took over as head coach of an 0-10 Satsuma High School (AL) program, and quickly instilled the hard work and disciplined approach that gave him an opportunity in the NFL. In fact, in 2006 he led the program to a 7-4 record and a birth in the playoffs. In January of 2008, Jackson High School in Jackson, AL brought Kelly in to turn their program around.
In coaching, Kelly has found an opportunity to impact kids and be directly involved in the game. “I always said I’d never do it, but I had some awesome coaches in my life. The reward for me is that I am able to stay in a sport that meant so much to me as well as enjoy the chance to be around kids.” He added, “It is a great challenge that is always filled with ups and downs. I still love the opportunity to get out and compete.”
As is true of every former USM athlete, his times at Southern Miss were some of the best of his life. “There were two moments on the field that I will never forget, but the times most special to me were the locker room moments away from the TV and the crowd.”
He will never forget his coaches and teammates. “Being an Eagle gave me the chance to share times with Lee Roberts, Randy Butler, Derrick Nix, and Coach Bower. “The Rock” is a special deal, I will never forget it. We had a great time and some amazing experiences.”
His favorite two on the field moments still are fresh in the minds of Southern Miss fans. “We went up to Louisville my sophomore year, and pulled off an amazing fake punt that I will never forget. It was a big controversy and I think we only had 10 guys on the field. It was something we worked and worked on and waited for the right moment to run it. That play sealed us a big game.”
His other favorite memory involved the 2000 Mobile Bowl, where he played close to home. “We were playing against LT and the #1 defense in the country. They were ranked #13 as well. In the fourth quarter, I threw a touchdown pass to Kenny Johnson with eight seconds left. It was a great win for us.”
What does Coach Jeff Kelly think of current USM quarterback Austin Davis? “AD had a great, great year. I’ll be honest with you; I think all our records are in jeopardy. He is a great kid with a good head on his shoulders. He showed great poise and control even as a freshman. I think there are some really good times ahead with that high flying system.”
Southern Miss fans will always be grateful for the time Kelly gave on and off the field for the black and gold. As a teacher and coach, he continues to give back to the game that has meant so much to him. From Deer Park, to Hattiesburg, Seattle, and then back to Jackson, Kelly has truly come full circle.
Stay tuned to Goldeneaglepride.com for more updates from former USM athletes.