Jalen Hairston returns for his third stint as an assistant football coach here at The University of Charleston, and his second as the Defensive coordinator and Safeties coach. Hairston had three Mountain East selections last year, Nirion Washington was a 1st team selection as a Defensive Back, Willie Floyd a 2nd team selection as Linebacker, and Nick Evans as an Honorable Mention Defensive End. Nirion Washinton also received Super Region 1, 2nd Team honors. Hairston returned to Charleston after one season at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). Hairston coached the defensive line and linebackers for the Crimson Hawks. During the 2021 season, he mentored linebacker Malachi Newell to a First Team All-PSAC selection, and defensive end Tyrone Fowler would be selected as the PSAC West Freshman of the Year.
Before arriving in Indiana, Pennsylvania; Hairston spent time as the defensive backs coach for his alma mater here at the University of Charleston. During the shortened Spring season of 2021, he mentored both D’Vaughn Whitt and Reggie Collins to Second Team All Mountain East Selections. Both Whitt and Collins have gone on to sign professional contracts for different indoor football organizations.
Prior to jumping into the deep water of the coaching profession, Hairston played defensive back for the Golden Eagles from 2014-2018 and was a member of the only team in UC history to make the playoffs and was on multiple nationally ranked defensive units. Hairston finished his playing career with 50 tackles, 6 TFL’s and 1 PBU. Hairston finished his playing career at Concord University. The Martinsville, Virginia native graduated from The University of Charleston in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He resides in Charleston.
Jalen Hairston Quick Facts Hometown: Martinsville, Virginia High School: Magna Vista, 2014 Alma Mater: The University of Charleston (WV), 2018 Degree: Political Science Year in Coaching: 3rd (Second at UC) Year(s) Position School 2023-Present Defensive Coordinator/ Safeties. University of Charleston
2023 Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers University of Charleston 2021-2022 Defensive Line/Linebackers Indiana University of PA 2020-2021 Defensive Backs University of Charleston 2019 Defensive Backs Concord University
