Former National Football League (NFL) wide receiver and Carolina Panthers assistant wide receivers coach, Jerricho Cotchery, has taken the helm as the new head football coach at Limestone University. Cotchery has been the assistant head coach and wide receiver coach for the past two seasons.
From 2022 to 2023, Cotchery played a pivotal role in Limestone’s football program. The Saints achieved an impressive combined record of 16-8 and secured back-to-back qualifications for the NCAA Division II National Championship playoffs. During this period, Limestone boasted a collective South Atlantic Conference record of 15-3 and clinched co-champion titles in the Piedmont Division for both seasons.
Cotchery steps into the shoes of former Limestone head coach, Mike Furrey, who recently decided to pursue other opportunities. Furrey, who had previously coached at Limestone in 2016 and 2017, left the program to become the wide receivers coach for the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Limestone’s Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Hailey Martin, expressed enthusiasm about Cotchery’s appointment: “We are extremely excited to have Jerricho as our new head football coach. He is so well-liked and respected by our student-athletes and coaches. From coaching with the Carolina Panthers to a remarkable 12-year NFL playing career with three different teams and a Super Bowl appearance, Jerricho has brought a wealth of knowledge to our program, and we are thrilled to have him guiding our Saints forward.”
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Cotchery made his mark as a two-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection at North Carolina State. The New York Jets drafted him in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL draft, and he went on to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2011 to 2013. Later, Cotchery joined the Carolina Panthers, where he contributed to their Super Bowl run. Over his 12-season NFL career, he played in 175 games, catching 524 passes for 6,623 yards and 34 touchdowns.
Cotchery’s coaching journey continued with the Panthers, where he served as the assistant wide receivers coach from 2017 to 2019. In 2017, the Panthers posted an 11-5 record, earning a wild card playoff berth.