Jared May Promoted to Offensive Coordinator
1/6/2026 1:55:00 PM | Football
SFA passing game coordinator/quarterback coach takes over reigns of high-powered Lumberjack offense
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Stephen F. Austin head football coach Colby Carthel has announced the promotion of Jared May as the program's new offensive coordinator. The official announcement was made on Tuesday, January 6. May replaces former OC Chris Ross who departed the program to accept the same position at Tarleton State. May previously served as the Lumberjacks' passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach since beginning his second stint in Nacogdoches in 2019.
"When you look up the word loyalty in the dictionary, there's a picture of Jared May," noted Carthel. "We have shared the sideline together now for over 15 years and he has more than earned this promotion and opportunity to run our offense. Coach May has been our passing game coordinator the past two seasons and coached our quarterbacks the past 7 seasons, two of which now rank in the Top 10 all-time at SFA [Trae Self & Sam Vidlak], so he is more than prepared to continue elevating our offensive success and production!"
May takes over an offense that has been highly productive, led by multiple All-American and all-conference players, in his seven seasons back on staff. That production is due in large part to the maturation of several all-conference quarterbacks under his leadership including former standouts Trae Self and Sam Vidlak. Additionally, May's approach to the Lumberjacks' punt return unit led to a record-breaking year in 2025 behind the electric return abilities of consensus All-American Bugs Mortimer.
"Thank you to Coach Carthel for believing in me for this opportunity and throughout all these years," remarked May. "I am excited and grateful to step into this role at a place my wife and family have called home for several years. I can't wait to continue the exciting, successful brand of football this program represents."
This past season, May helped orchestrate one of the most dominant campaigns in program history. The Lumberjacks captured the program's fifth SLC title and first since 2010. That title came behind the program's first eight-win conference season and first perfect finish in league play in 99 seasons. SFA entered the FCS Quarterfinals on a program-record 11-game winning streak and reached double-digit wins for the fifth time in program history, while its 11 victories are the most since the '95 campaign.
In 2025, May's passing game rated second in the Southland Conference in efficiency (145.6), while helping the offense lead the league in third-down conversion percentage (.453), first downs offense (302) and redzone offense (91.1%), while ranking second in scoring offense (35.4). Following his promotion to passing game coordinator in March of 2014, May's passing attack led the SLC in efficiency (161.8) and rated 11thnationally in passing offense (271.5) to help create the league's top scoring offense (35.6), top redzone offense (93.5%), the second-best total offense (431.8) and a top three ranking in passing yards per completion (12.98), while leading the league in fewest interceptions thrown.
May's move up to passing game coordinator coincided with Sam Vidlak joining the Lumberjack football program in 2024. May guided Vidlak into the SFA record books as the 2025 Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year finished his time in Nacogdoches inside the program's top 10 in career passing yards (5,076, 10th), career completions (407, 8th) and career passing touchdowns (49, T6th) in just 22 career games over two seasons. He tossed for over 2,300 yards and 20 touchdowns in each season. Vidlak was named a finalist for the 2024 Walter Payton Award and was awarded the SLC Newcomer of the Year, while also earning WPA watchlist recognition in 2025 and a preseason All-America nod by FCS Football Central.
Prior to his appointment as passing game coordinator, May primarily served the SFA quarterbacks during his first five seasons.
May played a huge role in Self's (2019-2022) production as SFA earned an FCS playoff appearance in 2021 and the Western Athletic Conference title in 2022. It marked the Lumberjack's first postseason appearance since 2014 and their first conference title since 2010. Self was one of the top conference quarterbacks throughout his four years as a Lumberjack. He posted four-straight 2,000-yard seasons with a career-best 3,201 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2021. He finished his career ranked third all-time in total offense (10,972 yards), touchdown passes (74) and completions (801). He also ranks inside the top 10 in four single-season passing categories.
As SFA's punt return coordinator, May has developed some of the nation's top return units. In 2025, the 'Jacks led the nation in punt return average (18.97) behind first-year Lumberjack Bugs Mortimer who led the FCS in punt return average (21.5), punt return TDs (4) and total punt return yards (537). His four return touchdowns led all of NCAA, while his total return yards are both an SFA and SLC season-single record. He also delivered a single-game program record for return yards with 159 against Nicholls.
Additionally, the 'Jacks led the NCAA in punt return average (30.56) in 2022 behind three total return touchdowns from All-American Xavier Gipson (2) and Seth Nickell (1). Additionally, the 'Jacks ranked fourth nationally in punt return average (14.88) in 2021.
In his nine seasons across two different stints in Nacogdoches, May has been a part of 58 wins, three conference titles and three NCAA postseason berths. He has helped mentor the SLC Offensive Player of the Year in Sam Vidlak, an All-American wide receiver in Kylon Harris and multiple all-conference performers. Vidlak and Harris connected for 17 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
May joined the A&M-Commerce football staff in the winter of 2013 as the Lions' co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, while also being responsible for the Lions' punt return unit. In that time, May helped guide the Lions to 52 victories, three Lone Star Conference titles and the 2017 NCAA DII National Championship.
In 2017 under May, Luis Perez became the best quarterback in NCAA Division II, leading the Lions to the pinnacle of Division II football. Perez was awarded the Harlon Hill trophy, given annually to the best player in Division II football. Perez led the country with 4,999 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes. In addition to the Harlon Hill award, Perez was named the D2CCA Ron Lenz Offensive Player of the Year, the D2Football.com National Offensive Player of the Year and Lone Star Conference Offensive Player of the Year and was selected as a First Team All-American by three different organizations.
The Lions averaged the second most passing yards per game (349.0) and the third best completion percentage (68.8 percent) and were in the top 20 in the nation in passing efficiency. Texas A&M-Commerce led the LSC in completion percentage and passing offense. May also guided the Lions' punt return team to an LSC-best 10.14 yards per return, while Buck Wilson was named First Team All-LSC as a return specialist.
Perez's remarkable 2017 season was put in motion by a standout 2016 campaign. Under the tutelage of May, Perez was a nominee for the Harlon Hill Award, named an honorable mention All-American, a second-team Super Region 3 honoree and a first-team selection to the Lone Star Conference's annual all-league squads.
May directed the Lions to the fewest interceptions in the conference and ranked in the top 20 in the nation in passing offense (299.8 ypg, 17th) and passing efficiency (158.21, 13th). Perez ranked 10th in the nation in passing touchdowns, 12th in passing yards and 16th in passer efficiency rating. He was second in the conference in completion percentage and third in completions.
Perez wasn't the only signal caller developed under May during his time in Commerce. He was also instrumental in the playing careers of Harrison Stewart and Tyrik Rollison who both finished their careers as All-Americans. In 2015, Stewart ranked in the top 25 in NCAA Division II in passing (20th), passing touchdowns (12th), yards per completion (20th), and passing efficiency (25th). As a team, the Lions were 17th in passing efficiency, 20th in scoring offense, and 20th in total offense. Rollison developed into one the NCAA's best passers and in 2014 he finished as the No.1 most efficient passer in the country. Rollison was third in passing yards per game at 342.2 and yards per completion at 16.5. He finished fourth in total passing yards with 3,764, and 12th in touchdown passes.
Under his direction, the Lions blocked eight punts in 2013 and six in 2014 to lead the LSC and NCAA in back-to-back seasons. Former Lion standout and multi-year pro Davarus Shores blocked a Lions school record seven punts in his career.
May came to Commerce after spending three seasons at West Texas A&M, where he coached both the Buffs quarterbacks and wide receivers. WTAM went 28-10 during that time which also included a national semifinal appearance in 2012. He helped oversee the development of Harlon Hill finalist Dustin Vaughan, a future five-year pro, as well as coaching a 1,000-yard receiver in each of his seasons at West Texas, including a pair of All-Americans.
Prior to his return to West Texas A&M, May spent two seasons at Stephen F. Austin, helping turn the Lumberjacks from a winless team the year prior to his arrival into Southland Conference Championships in 2009 behind the then fourth 10-win season in program history. During his first stint in Nacogdoches, the SFA offense averaged over 430 yards and 35 points per game.
May served as the inside receivers coach at West Texas A&M for the 2007 season, while he started his collegiate coaching journey the year prior as a graduate assistant wide receivers coach at Hardin-Simmons. During that stint, May served as the head softball and head golf coach at his alma mater Hamlin High School.
As a collegiate student-athlete, May was a three-year letterwinner at Hardin-Simmons where he became an All-American as an all-purpose back. In his career, May returned four kickoffs and a punt for touchdowns, was a three-time All-American Southwest Conference performer and was named the 2004 ASC Special Teams Player of the Year. He was named to HSU's 20th Anniversary Team as a kick returner in August of 2009 and in 2023, May was inducted into HSU Football's Hall of Honor.
A native of Hamlin, Texas, May earned his bachelor's degree in education from Hardin-Simmons University in 2005, followed by a master's degree in education from West Texas A&M University in 2012. May and his wife Christina have three children: Dash, Arya and Ranger.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT JARED MAY
Don Carthel
Former West Texas A&M HC, Former Texas A&M-Commerce ST QC, Former SFA ST QC
"Jared will do a great job while undertaking his new role as OC at SFA. Jared has a great love for his players, and his players have always loved playing for him. He is very intense and yet a fun coach to play for. His knowledge of the game has proved vital in the many wins and championships he's been a part of at WTAMU, Texas A&M-Commerce and now at SFA."
Shannon Dawson
Current Miami OC, Former SFA OC/QBs Coach
"I'm extremely excited for Coach May. I can't wait to see how well he does and he has a bright future. SFA is such a special place and I'm happy for Coach May and SFA! Axe 'Em!"
Jeremy Moses
Former SFA All-American QB, 2010 Walter Payton Award Winner
"Congratulations to Jared May for becoming SFA's new OC. It's always great to see a high character human/coach get the opportunity he deserves. Great job SFA, already laying the foundation to Repeat! Axe 'Em!"
Drew Hollingshead
Former OC at Coastal Carolina/Western Kentucky
"I couldn't be more excited for Coach May! He's one of the sharpest minds in football and one of the best QB developers in our game. No doubt in my mind he'll have SFA continuing to light up scoreboards!"
Luis Perez
Former Texas A&M-Commerce All-American QB, 2017 Harlon Hill Award Winner
"Coach May is one of the most brilliant football minds I've been around and an even better person. He played a major role in molding me as a quarterback and preparing me for the next level. I'm extremely grateful for everything he poured into my career and couldn't be happier for him."
Xavier Gipson
Former SFA All-American WR, Former NY Jets, Philadelphia Eagles PR/WR, Current NY Giants
"One of the best coaches I have been around. He's the true definition of a leader. He helped me out tremendously as a returner and even as a wide receiver in helping me acknowledge the deeper meaning behind what offenses do. I know he will dominate this new role!"
Trae Self
Former SFA All-Conference QB
"I am extremely happy for Coach May and his family! I was very blessed to have him as my coach, and he played a huge part to my success and growth over the years at SFA. One of the hardest workers I know! Great coach but an even greater person that helped mold me into the man I am today! He is very deserving! God Bless coach and his family!"
Sam Vidlak
Former SFA All-Conference QB, 2025 SLC Offensive Player of the Year
"Coach May does a great job creating real relationships with his players while still pushing them to be their best on the field. He's a great football mind and I am excited to see him as the Lumberjacks OC."
THE MAY FILE
Hometown: Hamlin, Texas
High School: Hamlin HS
Education: Hardin-Simmons (2005); West Texas A&M (2012)
Playing Experience: Hardin-Simmons (three-year varsity letter winner and All-American as an all-purpose back)
Family: Christina (wife), Dash (son), Arya (daughter), Ranger (son)
COACHING EXPERIENCE
Present: SFA | Offensive Coordinator
2019-2025: SFA | Quarterbacks/Passing Game Coordinator
2014-18: Texas A&M-Commerce | Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
2010-12: West Texas A&M | Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers
2008-09: SFA | Inside Wide Receivers
2007: West Texas A&M | Inside Wide Receivers
2006: Hardin-Simmons | Graduate Assistant (Wide Receivers)
FOLLOW THE LUMBERJACKS
For all the latest information on SFA football, visit SFAjacks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Lumberjacks on X, Instagram and Facebook.
"When you look up the word loyalty in the dictionary, there's a picture of Jared May," noted Carthel. "We have shared the sideline together now for over 15 years and he has more than earned this promotion and opportunity to run our offense. Coach May has been our passing game coordinator the past two seasons and coached our quarterbacks the past 7 seasons, two of which now rank in the Top 10 all-time at SFA [Trae Self & Sam Vidlak], so he is more than prepared to continue elevating our offensive success and production!"
May takes over an offense that has been highly productive, led by multiple All-American and all-conference players, in his seven seasons back on staff. That production is due in large part to the maturation of several all-conference quarterbacks under his leadership including former standouts Trae Self and Sam Vidlak. Additionally, May's approach to the Lumberjacks' punt return unit led to a record-breaking year in 2025 behind the electric return abilities of consensus All-American Bugs Mortimer.
"Thank you to Coach Carthel for believing in me for this opportunity and throughout all these years," remarked May. "I am excited and grateful to step into this role at a place my wife and family have called home for several years. I can't wait to continue the exciting, successful brand of football this program represents."
This past season, May helped orchestrate one of the most dominant campaigns in program history. The Lumberjacks captured the program's fifth SLC title and first since 2010. That title came behind the program's first eight-win conference season and first perfect finish in league play in 99 seasons. SFA entered the FCS Quarterfinals on a program-record 11-game winning streak and reached double-digit wins for the fifth time in program history, while its 11 victories are the most since the '95 campaign.
In 2025, May's passing game rated second in the Southland Conference in efficiency (145.6), while helping the offense lead the league in third-down conversion percentage (.453), first downs offense (302) and redzone offense (91.1%), while ranking second in scoring offense (35.4). Following his promotion to passing game coordinator in March of 2014, May's passing attack led the SLC in efficiency (161.8) and rated 11thnationally in passing offense (271.5) to help create the league's top scoring offense (35.6), top redzone offense (93.5%), the second-best total offense (431.8) and a top three ranking in passing yards per completion (12.98), while leading the league in fewest interceptions thrown.
May's move up to passing game coordinator coincided with Sam Vidlak joining the Lumberjack football program in 2024. May guided Vidlak into the SFA record books as the 2025 Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year finished his time in Nacogdoches inside the program's top 10 in career passing yards (5,076, 10th), career completions (407, 8th) and career passing touchdowns (49, T6th) in just 22 career games over two seasons. He tossed for over 2,300 yards and 20 touchdowns in each season. Vidlak was named a finalist for the 2024 Walter Payton Award and was awarded the SLC Newcomer of the Year, while also earning WPA watchlist recognition in 2025 and a preseason All-America nod by FCS Football Central.
Prior to his appointment as passing game coordinator, May primarily served the SFA quarterbacks during his first five seasons.
May played a huge role in Self's (2019-2022) production as SFA earned an FCS playoff appearance in 2021 and the Western Athletic Conference title in 2022. It marked the Lumberjack's first postseason appearance since 2014 and their first conference title since 2010. Self was one of the top conference quarterbacks throughout his four years as a Lumberjack. He posted four-straight 2,000-yard seasons with a career-best 3,201 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2021. He finished his career ranked third all-time in total offense (10,972 yards), touchdown passes (74) and completions (801). He also ranks inside the top 10 in four single-season passing categories.
As SFA's punt return coordinator, May has developed some of the nation's top return units. In 2025, the 'Jacks led the nation in punt return average (18.97) behind first-year Lumberjack Bugs Mortimer who led the FCS in punt return average (21.5), punt return TDs (4) and total punt return yards (537). His four return touchdowns led all of NCAA, while his total return yards are both an SFA and SLC season-single record. He also delivered a single-game program record for return yards with 159 against Nicholls.
Additionally, the 'Jacks led the NCAA in punt return average (30.56) in 2022 behind three total return touchdowns from All-American Xavier Gipson (2) and Seth Nickell (1). Additionally, the 'Jacks ranked fourth nationally in punt return average (14.88) in 2021.
In his nine seasons across two different stints in Nacogdoches, May has been a part of 58 wins, three conference titles and three NCAA postseason berths. He has helped mentor the SLC Offensive Player of the Year in Sam Vidlak, an All-American wide receiver in Kylon Harris and multiple all-conference performers. Vidlak and Harris connected for 17 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
May joined the A&M-Commerce football staff in the winter of 2013 as the Lions' co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, while also being responsible for the Lions' punt return unit. In that time, May helped guide the Lions to 52 victories, three Lone Star Conference titles and the 2017 NCAA DII National Championship.
In 2017 under May, Luis Perez became the best quarterback in NCAA Division II, leading the Lions to the pinnacle of Division II football. Perez was awarded the Harlon Hill trophy, given annually to the best player in Division II football. Perez led the country with 4,999 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes. In addition to the Harlon Hill award, Perez was named the D2CCA Ron Lenz Offensive Player of the Year, the D2Football.com National Offensive Player of the Year and Lone Star Conference Offensive Player of the Year and was selected as a First Team All-American by three different organizations.
The Lions averaged the second most passing yards per game (349.0) and the third best completion percentage (68.8 percent) and were in the top 20 in the nation in passing efficiency. Texas A&M-Commerce led the LSC in completion percentage and passing offense. May also guided the Lions' punt return team to an LSC-best 10.14 yards per return, while Buck Wilson was named First Team All-LSC as a return specialist.
Perez's remarkable 2017 season was put in motion by a standout 2016 campaign. Under the tutelage of May, Perez was a nominee for the Harlon Hill Award, named an honorable mention All-American, a second-team Super Region 3 honoree and a first-team selection to the Lone Star Conference's annual all-league squads.
May directed the Lions to the fewest interceptions in the conference and ranked in the top 20 in the nation in passing offense (299.8 ypg, 17th) and passing efficiency (158.21, 13th). Perez ranked 10th in the nation in passing touchdowns, 12th in passing yards and 16th in passer efficiency rating. He was second in the conference in completion percentage and third in completions.
Perez wasn't the only signal caller developed under May during his time in Commerce. He was also instrumental in the playing careers of Harrison Stewart and Tyrik Rollison who both finished their careers as All-Americans. In 2015, Stewart ranked in the top 25 in NCAA Division II in passing (20th), passing touchdowns (12th), yards per completion (20th), and passing efficiency (25th). As a team, the Lions were 17th in passing efficiency, 20th in scoring offense, and 20th in total offense. Rollison developed into one the NCAA's best passers and in 2014 he finished as the No.1 most efficient passer in the country. Rollison was third in passing yards per game at 342.2 and yards per completion at 16.5. He finished fourth in total passing yards with 3,764, and 12th in touchdown passes.
Under his direction, the Lions blocked eight punts in 2013 and six in 2014 to lead the LSC and NCAA in back-to-back seasons. Former Lion standout and multi-year pro Davarus Shores blocked a Lions school record seven punts in his career.
May came to Commerce after spending three seasons at West Texas A&M, where he coached both the Buffs quarterbacks and wide receivers. WTAM went 28-10 during that time which also included a national semifinal appearance in 2012. He helped oversee the development of Harlon Hill finalist Dustin Vaughan, a future five-year pro, as well as coaching a 1,000-yard receiver in each of his seasons at West Texas, including a pair of All-Americans.
Prior to his return to West Texas A&M, May spent two seasons at Stephen F. Austin, helping turn the Lumberjacks from a winless team the year prior to his arrival into Southland Conference Championships in 2009 behind the then fourth 10-win season in program history. During his first stint in Nacogdoches, the SFA offense averaged over 430 yards and 35 points per game.
May served as the inside receivers coach at West Texas A&M for the 2007 season, while he started his collegiate coaching journey the year prior as a graduate assistant wide receivers coach at Hardin-Simmons. During that stint, May served as the head softball and head golf coach at his alma mater Hamlin High School.
As a collegiate student-athlete, May was a three-year letterwinner at Hardin-Simmons where he became an All-American as an all-purpose back. In his career, May returned four kickoffs and a punt for touchdowns, was a three-time All-American Southwest Conference performer and was named the 2004 ASC Special Teams Player of the Year. He was named to HSU's 20th Anniversary Team as a kick returner in August of 2009 and in 2023, May was inducted into HSU Football's Hall of Honor.
A native of Hamlin, Texas, May earned his bachelor's degree in education from Hardin-Simmons University in 2005, followed by a master's degree in education from West Texas A&M University in 2012. May and his wife Christina have three children: Dash, Arya and Ranger.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT JARED MAY
Don Carthel
Former West Texas A&M HC, Former Texas A&M-Commerce ST QC, Former SFA ST QC
"Jared will do a great job while undertaking his new role as OC at SFA. Jared has a great love for his players, and his players have always loved playing for him. He is very intense and yet a fun coach to play for. His knowledge of the game has proved vital in the many wins and championships he's been a part of at WTAMU, Texas A&M-Commerce and now at SFA."
Shannon Dawson
Current Miami OC, Former SFA OC/QBs Coach
"I'm extremely excited for Coach May. I can't wait to see how well he does and he has a bright future. SFA is such a special place and I'm happy for Coach May and SFA! Axe 'Em!"
Jeremy Moses
Former SFA All-American QB, 2010 Walter Payton Award Winner
"Congratulations to Jared May for becoming SFA's new OC. It's always great to see a high character human/coach get the opportunity he deserves. Great job SFA, already laying the foundation to Repeat! Axe 'Em!"
Drew Hollingshead
Former OC at Coastal Carolina/Western Kentucky
"I couldn't be more excited for Coach May! He's one of the sharpest minds in football and one of the best QB developers in our game. No doubt in my mind he'll have SFA continuing to light up scoreboards!"
Luis Perez
Former Texas A&M-Commerce All-American QB, 2017 Harlon Hill Award Winner
"Coach May is one of the most brilliant football minds I've been around and an even better person. He played a major role in molding me as a quarterback and preparing me for the next level. I'm extremely grateful for everything he poured into my career and couldn't be happier for him."
Xavier Gipson
Former SFA All-American WR, Former NY Jets, Philadelphia Eagles PR/WR, Current NY Giants
"One of the best coaches I have been around. He's the true definition of a leader. He helped me out tremendously as a returner and even as a wide receiver in helping me acknowledge the deeper meaning behind what offenses do. I know he will dominate this new role!"
Trae Self
Former SFA All-Conference QB
"I am extremely happy for Coach May and his family! I was very blessed to have him as my coach, and he played a huge part to my success and growth over the years at SFA. One of the hardest workers I know! Great coach but an even greater person that helped mold me into the man I am today! He is very deserving! God Bless coach and his family!"
Sam Vidlak
Former SFA All-Conference QB, 2025 SLC Offensive Player of the Year
"Coach May does a great job creating real relationships with his players while still pushing them to be their best on the field. He's a great football mind and I am excited to see him as the Lumberjacks OC."
THE MAY FILE
Hometown: Hamlin, Texas
High School: Hamlin HS
Education: Hardin-Simmons (2005); West Texas A&M (2012)
Playing Experience: Hardin-Simmons (three-year varsity letter winner and All-American as an all-purpose back)
Family: Christina (wife), Dash (son), Arya (daughter), Ranger (son)
COACHING EXPERIENCE
Present: SFA | Offensive Coordinator
2019-2025: SFA | Quarterbacks/Passing Game Coordinator
2014-18: Texas A&M-Commerce | Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
2010-12: West Texas A&M | Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers
2008-09: SFA | Inside Wide Receivers
2007: West Texas A&M | Inside Wide Receivers
2006: Hardin-Simmons | Graduate Assistant (Wide Receivers)
FOLLOW THE LUMBERJACKS
For all the latest information on SFA football, visit SFAjacks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Lumberjacks on X, Instagram and Facebook.
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