Averett University Athletics

Jay Kirland was promoted to Averett's defensive coordinator in February 2014 after previously serving as the program's defensive backs coach since May 2011. He will continue to coach Averett's secondary as coordinator.

With Kirland coaching the Cougars' secondary, Averett finished second in the USA South Conference in pass defense (158.4 yards per game) in 2012.

Prior to joining Averett's staff, Kirland was a student-assistant at his alma mater, Christopher Newport University, in 2010. Assisting with the defensive backs, Kirland mentored two all-conference performers in a secondary that ranked second in the conference in interceptions.  In addition, Kirland helped aid the Captains to ranks in the top three of the conference in both pass defense, pass defense efficiency and total defense.

A native of Woodbridge, Va., Kirland earned his master's degree in business administration from Averett in October 2013.