WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College head football coach Brad Griffin has announced the hiring of Austin Jackson as the Moundbuilders' new defensive coordinator.
Jackson brings experience as a defensive coordinator, position coach, special teams coordinator and recruiter at the high school and collegiate levels. He previously served on Griffin's staff at Southwestern from 2021-23 as the linebackers coach and special teams coordinator.
During his previous tenure with the Moundbuilders, Jackson helped coach two conference championship teams and mentored nine all-conference selections. He also coached the KCAC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2021 and 2022 and worked with two conference Defensive Players of the Year.
Jackson spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons as the defensive coordinator at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. While overseeing the Bulldogs' defense, Jackson helped produce an 800-yard improvement in rushing defense. He also managed defensive scholarships, assisted with compliance and coordinated team logistics.
Most recently, Jackson served as the defensive line coach and recruiter at Central Methodist University in 2024. His responsibilities included evaluating game film, developing defensive strategies, recruiting student-athletes, organizing team travel and mentoring players academically and athletically.
Jackson began his coaching career at J.C. Harmon High School, where he coached football and worked as a special education paraprofessional. He later served as a graduate assistant and defensive line coach at William Penn University from 2019-21.
As a player, Jackson competed at Highland Community College, Henderson State University and Baker University. He earned preseason All-America recognition at Highland in 2014 and was part of conference championship programs at Henderson State and Baker. Jackson also competed for a national championship during his time at Baker.
Jackson earned a bachelor's degree in sports administration from Baker in 2017 and a Master of Business Administration from William Penn in 2021.
Jackson has recruited extensively throughout Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, California and Georgia, including experience recruiting junior college programs in Kansas and Texas.
