Jackson State University

Former NFL standout Kevin Mathis is in his third season coaching defensive backs.

In Fall 2021, Jackson State tied for the conference lead with 13 interceptions. S Shilo Sanders tied for second in the league with four interceptions as the JSU defense led the SWAC in passing defense, yielding 157.1 yards per game.

Mathis previously coached with Sanders at Trinity Christian. He helped lead TCC to three-straight Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) titles and a TCAL national championship.
 
Mathis was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 1997 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he played in all 16 games, recorded 23 tackles, five passes defended, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, 12 special teams tackle's and also returned punts.
 
Mathis then signed with the New Orleans Saints and started all 16 games in the 2000 season. He helped the Saints reach the playoffs for the first time since 1992 and win their first-ever playoff game.
 
Mathis was a standout at Texas A&M – Commerce and three-time NCAA Division II All-American.