Jeremy Hawkins was chosen as EKU’s defensive line coach in January 2020. He had previously worked on the staffs at Mercer, LSU and Alabama-Birmingham.
In his third season at EKU, Hawkins helped TK McLendon earn All-ASUN status, finishing third in the conference in sacks. EKU held No. 15 Southeast Missouri to 10 points in the second half of a comeback victory and limited Central Arkansas to its lowest point total against an FCS opponent of the season. McLendon was a Second-Team Phil Steele All-ASUN selection, while Kelton Dawson was named to the Third Team and Ryan Jackson earned Fourth-Team honors.
In 2021, Hawkins oversaw a defensive line that helped the Colonels post a 7-4 record. EKU ranked 15th nationally in red-zone defense and totaled 22 sacks and 66 tackles for loss. Four defensive linemen garnered All-ASUN recognition. Eastern Kentucky allowed just 10.1 points per game in the second half and Hawkins was named to the AFCA's 35 Under 35 list.
In his first season, Hawkins helped the defense stymie a pair of Southern Conference offenses helping EKU beat The Citadel, 37-14, on the road and Western Carolina, 49-17, in the 2020 Opportunity Bowl. EKU also knocked off No. 11 Central Arkansas for the program’s first win over a top-25 ranked team since 2013, and first victory over a non-conference ranked team since 2003. Eastern held Troy to 10 second half points as EKU nearly upset the FBS Trojans on the road.
As a team, Eastern Kentucky was third in the country during the fall season with 16 turnovers gained.
“I had several people reach out to me about Jeremy and the job he did at UAB, LSU and Mercer,” head coach Walt Wells said. “He came highly recommended from all those programs. He does a great job of developing young talent and getting involved as a positive role model in their lives. Jeremy has a strong reputation as a recruiter as well.”
In 2019, Hawkins was the defensive line coach at Mercer. He also coached field goal block and the scout team offense. Hawkins was responsible for recruiting Georgia and Alabama.
As the assistant director of player personnel at LSU during the 2018 season, Hawkins helped the Tigers to a 10-3 record and a spot in the Fiesta Bowl. His responsibilities included all aspects of recruiting, coordinating recruiting areas for all coaches, and discovery and evaluation of all prospects.
Hawkins served as the assistant defensive line coach and director of player personnel at Alabama-Birmingham during the 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons. In his final season, the Blazers went 8-5 and earned a spot in the Bahamas Bowl.
During the 2014 season, Hawkins was the head coach and defensive coordinator at Middle Georgia State College. In 2012 and 2013, he was the defensive line coach at Dublin High School. His college coaching career began as the running backs and tight ends coach at the University of Central Oklahoma during the 2011 season.
Hawkins was a four-year letter winner at Troy University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in sports and fitness management in 2009 and a master’s degree in sports administration in 2014. As a player, he helped the Trojans reach three bowl games. Hawkins also played one year of Arena Football for the Iowa Bandits.
Hawkins resides in Richmond with his wife Kristen. They have two daughters, Adelle and Abigail, and a son, Aiden.
