Jimmy Lindsey

Jimmy Lindsey begins his third season at South Carolina. He was officially named the Gamecocks’ defensive line coach on Jan. 17, 2021.

In 2021, the Carolina defense allowed 24.0 points per game in 2021, ranking 46th in the nation, with six of its 13 opponents scoring 17 points or less. That was following a 2020 season in which they allowed 36.0 points per game and ranked 105th in scoring defense. Alex Huntley earned a spot on the Freshman All-SEC team as a defensive lineman.

In his second season, the Gamecock defense forced 23 turnovers, including eight fumble recoveries and 15 interceptions. The 23 turnovers forced ranked second in the SEC and 20th in the country, while the 15 picks ranked first in the league and 14th in the nation. Defensive tackle Zacch Pickens was invited to the Reese’s Senior Bowl and to to the 2023 NFL Combine. Tonka Hemingway garnered second-team All-SEC accolades from Phil Steele and third-team honors from ProFootballFocus.

Lindsey, who was born in Cheraw, S.C. and lists Morven, N.C. as his hometown, spent the 2020 season on Lovie Smith’s staff at the University of Illinois, coaching defensive ends. He served as the defensive coordinator in the Illini’s season finale at Penn State after Smith was relieved of his coaching duties. Under Lindsey’s tutelage, Owen Carney Jr. earned second-team All-Big Ten honors after collecting 28 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks in eight games.

Lindsey came to Illinois after three seasons at Western Kentucky where he worked with current Gamecock defensive coordinator Clayton White. Lindsey was the Hilltoppers’ defensive line coach in 2017, before coaching the defensive ends and serving as the recruiting coordinator in 2018 and 2019.

Lindsey’s coaching career began at his alma mater, Chattanooga, where he was an assistant in 2000 and ’01 while finishing up his degree. Following graduation, he was named the Mocs’ linebackers coach in 2002.

He then spent four seasons (2003-06) at Gardner-Webb, where he coached the defensive line, linebackers, special teams and was also the recruiting coordinator. Under Lindsey’s guidance, Harold Wells, was named the 2004 I-AA Football Gazette National Defensive Lineman of the Year, and defensive end Brian Johnson was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008.

Lindsey then spent two seasons (2007-08) at Miami (Ohio), serving as the defensive ends coach and co-special teams coordinator, then one year at Tennessee-Martin as the defensive line coach before returning to Chattanooga for two seasons (2010-11) as the defensive line coach and special teams coordinator. In 2011, four of Lindsey’s defensive linemen earned All-SoCon honors including first-teamer Josh Williams.

Lindsey then spent four years in the Palmetto State, working at Furman University from 2012-15. He was the Paladins’ defensive line coach for three seasons before adding the title of Assistant Head Coach in his final season in Greenville. He mentored defensive end Gary Wilkins to All-America honors in 2014 and a contract with the Oakland Raiders. Lindsey also helped Furman win a Southern Conference championship in 2013.

Lindsey spent the 2016 season at Georgia Southern, working as the defensive line coach, before moving on to Western Kentucky.

Lindsey also has had the opportunity to work with four NFL teams (Cleveland – 2006; Detroit – 2008; Denver – 2010; San Diego – 2013) in the Minority Coaching Internship program.

Lindsey was a linebacker at Chattanooga from 1996-99, serving as a team captain in his senior season and was the recipient of UTC’s Marco Sheppard Mr. Hustle Award. He graduated in 2001 with a degree in sports administration.

Born Aug. 22, 1977, Lindsey is married to the former Lauren Thomas. He has one daughter, Kiara.

THE JIMMY LINDSEY FILE

PERSONAL
• Hometown: Morven, N.C.
• College: Chattanooga, ’01
• Wife: Lauren
• Children: daughter Kiara

PLAYING CAREER (Linebacker)
• Chattanooga (1996-99)

COACHING CAREER 
• 2000-01: Chattanooga (Graduate Assistant)
• 2002: Chattanooga (Linebackers)
• 2003-06: Gardner-Webb (Defensive Line/Linebackers/Special Teams/Recruiting Coordinator)
• 2007-08: Miami (Ohio) (Defensive Ends/Co-Special Teams Coordinator)
• 2009: UT-Martin (Defensive Line)
• 2010-11: Chattanooga (Defensive Line/Special Teams)
• 2012-14: Furman (Defensive Line)
• 2015: Furman (Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line)
• 2016: Georgia Southern (Defensive Line)
• 2017: Western Kentucky (Defensive Line)
• 2018-19: Western Kentucky (Defensive Ends/Recruiting Coordinator)
• 2020: Illinois (Defensive Ends)
* 2021-23: South Carolina (Defensive Line)

NFL MINORITY COACHING INTERNSHIPS 
• 2006: Cleveland Browns
• 2008: Detroit Lions
• 2010: Denver Broncos
• 2013: San Diego Chargers