Jordan Odaffer returns to Southeastern as Defensive Coordinator, bringing championship experience, national recognition, and a proven track record of building dominant defenses. Odaffer most recently served as Defensive Coordinator at South Carolina State, where he led one of the MEAC’s premier defensive units.
In his two seasons directing the Bulldogs’ defense, South Carolina State captured back-to-back MEAC championships and compiled a perfect 10–0 cumulative conference record. His units set the standard in the league, finishing as the No. 1 defense in the MEAC in consecutive seasons while also ranking among the top 20 defenses nationally. Odaffer’s defenses were known for their physicality, discipline, and situational excellence, and his player development translated into postseason recognition with seven All-Conference selections, including four first-team honorees in one season. His leadership helped solidify South Carolina State as a conference powerhouse.
Prior to South Carolina State, Odaffer spent three successful seasons at Benedict College as Defensive Coordinator, Linebackers Coach, and Recruiting Coordinator. His “Purple Swarm” defenses helped Benedict secure multiple SIAC championships and HBCU Division II national titles while ranking among the top defenses in NCAA Division II across numerous statistical categories.
Odaffer is no stranger to the Fire, having previously coached at SEU in 2018–19. As linebackers coach and special teams coordinator in 2019, he helped Southeastern set school records for fewest points allowed and blocked kicks while leading the nation in kick-block ratio. He also developed All-Conference linebacker Nico Moreno and All-American kicker David Larson. In 2018, he contributed to a Fire defense that set program records in pass defense, pass efficiency defense, total defense, interceptions, and tackles while winning the Mid-South Conference Sun Division title.
His coaching resume also includes time at Virginia University of Lynchburg and Adrian College, where he helped guide Adrian to an MIAA championship and playoff appearance while coaching multiple all-conference and national award winners. He began his coaching career at the high school level, earning District Coach of the Year honors at LaBelle High School and contributing to a historic district championship at West Gadsden.
A former collegiate player at Southwest Baptist University, Los Angeles Pierce College, and Florida A&M, Odaffer earned his bachelor’s degree in History Education from Florida A&M and a master’s degree in Kinesiology from Southeastern University.
Odaffer and his wife, Sharrie, have two children and are excited to return to the SEU community as he takes the lead of the Fire defense.
