The FCS Jackson State Tigers have officially hired Justin Sanders as their new linebackers coach for the 2025 season. The Tigers are betting on a leader with a track record of transforming defensive units and producing standout players across the college football landscape. Let’s dive into his coaching background.
Jackson State Turns to Experience With Justin Sanders as New LB Coach
The Jackson State Tigers, once led by Deion Sanders, have officially hired Justin Sanders as their new linebackers coach heading into the 2025 season. The Tigers are betting on a coach with a track record of transforming defensive units and producing standout players across the college football landscape.
We would like to officially announce @CoachJMSanders as our new Linebacker Coach! #GuardTheeYard pic.twitter.com/mhXepTzZJf
— Jackson State Football (@gojsutigersfb) May 2, 2025
Sanders joins the JSU staff after two years coaching safeties at Charlotte, where he helped strengthen the 49ers’ secondary. His time at Charlotte continued a consistent pattern in his career: creating defenses that produce turnovers, break up passes, and frustrate opposing quarterbacks.
Before stepping into the FBS ranks, Sanders spent four seasons as the defensive backs coach at Texas Southern. While there, Sanders’ units led the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in interceptions, notching 17 picks in one season, four of which were returned for touchdowns.
In 2021, the defense continued to shine, with 10 interceptions and 43 pass breakups. These stats underscore his coaching philosophy of aggressive coverage, disciplined positioning, and capitalizing on every opportunity to change the game.
Sanders’ earlier coaching tenure at East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) remains one of the most impressive chapters of his career. From 2016 to 2018, he served as secondary coach and special teams coordinator for the JUCO powerhouse.
During his time at EMCC, the team won back-to-back NJCAA National Championships and three straight MACJC State titles. The Lions posted an astonishing 33-2 record with Sanders on staff and finished with the top-ranked scoring defense in the country in 2018.
Sanders knows what it takes to win, both as a coach and as a player. Before entering the coaching world, he was a standout defensive back at Illinois. He played a pivotal role in the 2007 squad that made a surprise run to the Rose Bowl after defeating No. 1-ranked Ohio State.
That season, Sanders recorded 57 tackles, four tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. He later signed a free-agent contract with the Detroit Lions in 2008.
RELATED: Jackson State Sends Off Shilo Sanders With Congratulations as He Joins Tampa Bay Buccaneers
His roots in JUCO football go even deeper. Sanders began his college playing career at Northeast Mississippi Community College, where he earned the MACJC North Division’s Defensive Back MVP award in 2005. He helped guide the program to a 7-2 record, a bowl appearance, and a top-15 national ranking.
As he prepares to lead Jackson State’s linebackers, Sanders brings championship experience, a player-first coaching style, and a commitment to defensive excellence. With a resume that spans junior college dominance, FCS success, and FBS growth, Sanders is a valuable addition to JSU’s coaching staff.
Jackson State is betting on the right blend of experience, player development, and winning culture, and Justin Sanders checks every box.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
