Jackson State Hiring Florida G.A. Kali James As DL Coach

Gators defensive line graduate assistant Kali James is reportedly being hired by Jackson State, shortly after receiving an off-field promotion at Florida.

Photo: Kali James; Credit: Zach Goodall

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Jackson State is expected to hire Florida graduate assistant Kali James to be the Tigers' defensive line coach, All Gators can confirm.

James' imminent move was first reported by 247Sports. 

James offered assistance to former Gators defensive line coach Sean Spencer during the 2022-23 seasons, as one of the original assistants to join Florida's off-field staff under head coach Billy Napier. 

While Florida's primary defensive line coaching role was vacant, James handled the position's recruiting duties to conclude the 2024 high school cycle and part of the winter transfer portal period. 

Following Spencer's dismissal and UF's December 2023 hiring of Gerald Chatman to oversee the Gators' defensive line, Napier shared that James had received a promotion to serve as Florida's assistant defensive line coach, remaining in an off-field capacity. 

"We’ve promoted Kali James. He’s a graduate assistant, he’s kind of the assistant defensive line coach and is going to help us with the hybrid players," Napier said on Feb. 7. 

Before aligning with Florida, James spent the 2020-21 seasons as the defensive line coach for Land Christian Academy, and the 2019 campaign as a defensive line coach intern at South Carolina.

A class of 2019 graduate from Tuskegee with a degree in psychology, James was a four-year starter at defensive tackle for the Golden Tigers. He compiled 62 tackles including 19 for loss, 7.5 sacks and a fumble recovery for a touchdown over 43 career appearances.

As for the future of Florida's defensive line room, Napier on National Signing Day expressed satisfaction with the job Chatman, as well as new defensive backs coach Will Harris, had done through fewer than two months in Gainesville. 

Chatman joined Florida after spending the 2023 season at Tulane, where he coached defensive linemen Darius Hodges and Patrick Jenkins toward First-Team All-American Conference recognition. Before then, Chatman operated in various on and off-field assistant roles for 11 years at the college level and two years in the NFL. 

"I think [they] have proven to be what we thought they were — really good teachers," Napier said about Chatman and Harris. 

"I think they've got character. I do think they have a passion for people, they care for the player independent of the game. Great families and pedigree. They've been around good coaching; they know what it looks like. They've coached at the highest level and coached at the Power Five level. I think they've done a good job connected with the staff and the players so far.” 

This is a breaking news story that will be updated.

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