Jake Russell was named the fourth head football coach in Southeastern University history on January 8, 2026, bringing a proven record of competitive success, postseason experience, and Christ-centered leadership to Fire Football.
Russell comes to Lakeland following a highly successful three-year tenure as head coach at Campbellsville University, where he led the Fighting Tigers back to national prominence. During the 2025 season, Campbellsville posted an 8–3 record, earned an at-large berth to the NAIA Football Championship Series, and advanced to the second round of the postseason for the first time in a decade, finishing the year ranked No. 11 in the NAIA Football Coaches’ Top 25 Postseason Poll. Across his three seasons, Russell guided Campbellsville to a 21–11 overall record, including a 9–2 campaign in 2024—the highest winning percentage of any university in the state of Kentucky.
Prior to Campbellsville, Russell served as head coach at Kentucky Christian University, where he engineered significant improvement across all phases of the program. From his first to second season, the Knights improved nationally in every major offensive statistical category and finished the 2022 season with the second-most points and yards in program history. Defensively, Kentucky Christian ranked first nationally in pass defense in 2021 and finished among the nation’s leaders in turnovers forced and defensive touchdowns in 2022.
Russell also brings coordinator experience from Union College, where he served as offensive coordinator, recruiting coordinator, and quarterbacks coach. Under his leadership, Union improved from 89th to 34th nationally in points per game and from 80th to 31st in total offense per game. He began his collegiate coaching career as quarterbacks coach at Webber International University in Babson Park, Florida.
A 2016 graduate of Campbellsville University, Russell earned a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management while starring as the Fighting Tigers’ quarterback during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. He ranks second in program history in career passing yards (6,703) and career passing touchdowns (66), and holds the school’s single-season record with 38 touchdown passes in 2015. His playing background has strongly influenced his offensive philosophy and approach to quarterback development.
Russell’s career has also been marked by a deep commitment to faith-based leadership and ministry. He has led Bible studies with every team he has played for or coached and established and oversaw a Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at Union College, growing weekly attendance from eight to more than 40 members. He has participated in numerous domestic and international mission trips and emphasizes servant leadership, accountability, and character development within his football programs.
Russell and his family are excited to join the Southeastern University community as he leads Fire Football into its next chapter.
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