Otis Riddley, now in his seventh season with Jackson State Football, serves as the program’s Associate Head Coach, General Manager, and Tight Ends Coach. Recognized as one of the key architects of the Tigers’ modern era success, Riddley has played a critical role in the program’s resurgence—spearheading roster construction, player development strategies, and operational efficiency with a blend of innovation and seasoned leadership.
Since arriving at JSU in 2019, Riddley has helped build one of the premier programs in HBCU football. The Tigers have compiled a 35–9 SWAC conference record, including three undefeated conference seasons (2021, 2022, 2024), and captured three SWAC Championships. His direction as General Manager has elevated the program’s internal infrastructure, established a national recruiting footprint, and positioned JSU as a perennial contender.
Under his guidance, Jackson State has produced top-rated HBCU recruiting classes year after year. In 2024, his tight end unit contributed 18 receptions for 257 yards and three touchdowns, helping fuel an offense that ranked 2nd in red zone offense, 3rd in winning percentage, and 5th in scoring offense nationally.
Riddley previously served as Director of Player Personnel for three seasons, after coaching the offensive line in 2019. That year, his offensive line unit led a dramatic improvement, boosting JSU’s national offensive rankings by more than 50 spots in both total and rushing offense. He also coached the program’s first All-SWAC offensive lineman since 2014.
Before JSU, Riddley made his mark at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, where he developed two MACCC Offensive Line MVPs, an NJCAA All-American, and earned MACCC Assistant Coach of the Year honors in 2018.
A respected figure in scouting circles, Riddley was selected for the prestigious Bill Nunn Scouting Fellowship with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021 and the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, further highlighting his expertise in talent evaluation and personnel strategy.
A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Riddley spent eight seasons in the Mississippi high school ranks prior to his college coaching career, where he developed 11 offensive linemen who signed with Division I programs, along with multiple Parade and Under Armour All-Americans.
As a player, Riddley was a standout offensive lineman at Mississippi State University, earning Sporting News All-SEC Freshman Team honors. He holds a bachelor’s degree from MSU and a master’s degree from Belhaven University. He is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Riddley is married to Candace Riddley, and they have one son, Quentin.
