Mercer hires former coordinator Joel Taylor as head coach

Mercer announced former defensive coordinator and West Georgia coach Joel Taylor as its 22nd head coach Thursday following the departure of coach Mike Jacobs for Toledo.

Taylor was the defensive coordinator for Mercer from 2020-23, contributing to the team’s successful run under Jacobs’ predecessor, Drew Cronic. He spent the last two seasons as the head coach for West Georgia, where he led the Wolves to an impressive 8-3 record this season after tallying only four wins in 2024.

The position opened after Jacobs departed from Mercer to take the head coaching position at Toledo on Wednesday, ending a two-year stretch of dominance during which the Bears won the Southern Conference championship in back-to-back seasons.

“We are thrilled to welcome Joel Taylor back to Mercer as our head football coach,” Mercer athletic director Jim Cole said in a press release. “Joel is one of the brightest leaders in college football. He is a tremendous teacher, a man of integrity, and someone who pours into young people. His recent success, including being named AFCA Region Three Coach of the Year, speaks for itself. What truly sets Joel apart is his vision for building a championship program grounded in culture, character, and purpose. We are excited to welcome Joel and Mechelle back to the Mercer Bears community.”

Taylor also coached at Lenoir-Rhyne in the past, the same school from which Mercer plucked Cronic and Jacobs. Taylor led one defense there that led the country with 50 sacks. He has also coached at South Carolina State and The Citadel.

“Mercer is a place that has meant a great deal to my family and me,” Taylor said in a press release. “We are incredibly grateful for the chance to come home. This university, this community, and this football program have played an important role in my coaching journey. Mercer is built on excellence academically, athletically, and personally, and I am honored to lead these young men as we pursue championships and continue the momentum that has been established. I am excited to get to work.”

Taylor, a native of Brooklyn who grew up in South Carolina, was a player at South Carolina State before his coaching days.