Jestin Kelly begins his first year as the Running Backs Coach at Grambling State University. Kelly brings with him a wealth of experience to the GSU running backs room.Â
Kelly’s coaching career started at Livonia High School in Livonia, Louisiana, in 2020. Initially, he served as the Running Backs and Linebackers Coach and the Head Boys and Girls Track & Field Coach. In 2024, he returned to Livonia as the Defensive Coordinator. At Livonia, Kelly played a pivotal role in developing collegiate athletes such as Treylan Whaley (Nicholls Football) and Isaac Bollich (Nicholls Track).
After his tenure at Livonia, Kelly joined Dutchtown High School in Geismar, LA, in 2022, as the Linebackers Coach. During his time there, he coached Dickson Agu, an all-state linebacker who went on to play for Tulane. Following his season with the Griffins, Kelly moved to Istrouma High School in Baton Rouge, LA, where he served as the Linebackers Coach. Under his leadership, the entire linebacker corps earned all-district honors in 2023. Additionally, Kelly was the Head Boys and Girls Track & Field Coach, producing several district and regional champions, as well as two state meet finalists.
A distinguished player in his own right, Kelly was a Running Back for the Grambling State Tigers from 2013 to 2016. He earned the title of 2013 Freshman of the Year and was part of the 2016 SWAC and HBCU National Championship Team. Kelly played in all 46 games during his time at GSU, Over his collegiate career, Kelly amassed 408 rushing attempts, 2,474 rushing yards, 27 receptions, 226 receiving yards, and 19 touchdowns. He also led the 2016 HBCU Senior Bowl in rushing yards with 14 rushes for 80 yards.
Following his successful college career, Kelly signed with the Quad City Steamwheelers in Davenport, Iowa, before joining the Duke City Gladiators in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As a rookie, he led the CIF in rushing and touchdowns, contributing to the Gladiators’ consecutive championship titles. Kelly retired from the IFL in 2019 and transitioned to coaching.
A native of Baton Rouge, Kelly attended Redemptorist and Port Allen High School, where he was a highly recruited linebacker and running back. In 2013, he chose to attend Grambling State University over several other offers, graduating in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Sports Management.
Kelly and Akela Gordon, have a six-year-old son, Jestin Kelly Jr.
