JACKSONVILLE—Jax State Head Football Coach Charles Kelly has hired Sam Mix as the program's new tight ends coach.
 
Mix has spent the last five seasons at FCS powerhouse Montana State, helping the Bobcats reach the last two FCS finals and claimed their first National Championship in 42 years last week. He spent last season coaching receivers under Brent Vigen after coaching running backs the prior two seasons.
 
That also included working with Jax State offensive coordinator Taylor Housewright during the 2022 season when Montana State finished second nationally in scoring and rushing.
 
MSU junior receiver Taco Dowler earned Second-Team All-Big Sky honors after making 77 catches for 1,025 yards and seven touchdowns under his leadership. Running back Scottre Humphrey earned Stats Perform Third-Team All-America honors in 2024 and Adam Jones earned Stats Perform FCS Freshman All-America honors.
 
Mix also worked in recruiting and operations along with serving as an offensive analyst for two seasons at Montana State. His first coaching position was with his alma mater of Montana State-Northern as receivers coach and special teams coordinator from 2019-21.
 
The Gamecocks are coming off a 9-5 season which included a second consecutive trip to the Air National Guard Conference USA Championship and a win in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl.