Elon has hired experienced defensive coach Jalen Hairston to lead its secondary. Hairston comes to Elon after many years of success in Division II football.
He joins the Phoenix coaching staff after spending the past two seasons as the defensive backs coach for the University of Maine. While there, he also served as the safeties coach and defensive passing game coordinator for the Black Bears. Before he was a coach, Hairston played three seasons with the University of Charleston from 2015-2018.
This past season, Hairston helped lead Maine to a six-game winning streak, during which his defense allowed 14 points or fewer in four of those six games. He previously served as the defensive coordinator, safeties, and linebackers coach at his alma mater for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
In the 2023 season, Hairston helped the Charleston Golden Eagles to a 10-2 record, as well as their first NCAA Division II playoff win in school history.
Along with that great accomplishment, his defense ranked first in Division II in defensive touchdowns, 18th in third-down percentage, 29th in interceptions, and 30th in sacks.
Hairston said that he would always run into Elon fans while recruiting. When Maine came to play the Phoenix in football last season, he said he fell in love with the atmosphere. So when the Virginia native was offered to join Elon’s coaching staff, he said he thought it was a “no-brainer” from both a professional and family standpoint.
Hairston grew up only an hour away from Elon in Martinsville, Virginia. Hairston said he chose to come to Elon despite growing up in Virginia because he wanted to learn more about Elon athletics.
Hairston said the opportunities to work hands-on with the team to formulate ideas and incorporate philosophies were a huge part of the appeal.
“I have been able to develop my guys as people academically, athletically, and socially on and off the field,” Hairston said.
Hairston has a philosophy and a concept named “EAT.” The “E” stands for effort: how much effort are one is willing to put into being successful. Effort can be controlled based on what one puts effort into. Effort is also connected to attitude and mentality, according to Hairston.
The “A” stands for accountability: holding oneself accountable even when it’s hard. Once one masters holding themself accountable and doing even the little things, Hairston said they earn the right to be a leader and hold others accountable and be successful.
The “T” stands for trust: a reminder to trust coaches, teammates, and oneself.
Hairston said he aims to bring EAT to Elon — helping the Phoenix defense grow heading into next season.