Jonathan Carr enters his second season on the Alabama State University football staff in 2026 and his first as offensive line coach after serving as the Hornets' tight ends and tackles coach during the 2024 season.
Carr helped guide one of the nation's most explosive offenses in 2025 as Alabama State ranked among the top programs in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The Hornets led the SWAC in total offense (460.5 yards per game), scoring offense (42.4 points per game), passing offense (268.8 yards per game), completion percentage (.696), fewest interceptions thrown (3), pass efficiency rating (194.1), red zone offense (91.4 percent), red zone touchdowns (43), fewest turnovers lost (10), and third-down conversion percentage (51.8 percent). Nationally, Alabama State ranked second in scoring offense, fourth in total offense, fourth in completion percentage, fourth in third-down conversions, seventh in red zone offense, and first in both pass efficiency and fewest interceptions thrown.
The Hornets also ranked second in the SWAC in rushing offense at 211.8 yards per game and fourth in fourth-down conversion percentage. Under Carr's guidance, offensive linemen Jeremiah Frazier, Cameron Smith, and Elijah Baker earned All-SWAC recognition, while Smith was also named an HBCU All-American.
During the 2024 season, Carr helped develop an offensive front that paved the way for 2,372 rushing yards and four 200-yard rushing performances. Alabama State rushed for a season-high 308 yards against Bethune-Cookman, 211 against Florida A&M, 204 against Alabama A&M, and 203 against North Carolina Central. The Hornets rushed for at least 100 yards in nine games and outrushed nine of their 12 opponents. The offensive line also allowed just 17 sacks, tied for the third-fewest in the conference. Arelious Dunn and Desmond Daniels earned All-SWAC honors following the season.
Carr brought more than 11 years of collegiate coaching experience and has coached four All-Americans, 13 all-conference performers, and four professional signees. Throughout his career, he has been part of three conference championship teams while helping mentor 64 graduates and 23 academic award recipients.
Prior to returning to Alabama State, Carr served as offensive line, tight ends, and running backs coach at Langston University from 2019-22. During his tenure, Langston developed into one of the top rushing offenses in the NAIA.
In 2019, the Lions led the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) in rushing with 2,217 yards and ranked second in both total offense (396.1 yards per game) and scoring offense (34.1 points per game). Nationally, Langston ranked ninth in rushing offense and finished 8-2 while capturing the SAC championship. Carr coached SAC Player of the Year and NAIA All-American Tim Whitfield, who rushed for 1,301 yards and 20 touchdowns.
The 2021 Langston squad again led the SAC in rushing with 2,309 yards while ranking third in total offense (431.8 yards per game) and scoring offense (39.0 points per game). The Lions ranked sixth nationally in rushing offense, 11th in yards per carry, and earned a berth in the NAIA Senior Football Classic coaching staff.
Before Langston, Carr coached at Clark Atlanta University from 2015-19, overseeing the offensive line, tight ends, and running backs. During his tenure, the Panthers produced some of the top offenses in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). Clark Atlanta led the SIAC in total offense in 2017 and ranked second in total offense in 2016. Carr also recruited and developed Tyshon Henderson, who later signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bears.
While at Clark Atlanta, Carr was selected to participate in the prestigious Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017. During the fellowship, he assisted with offensive line drills, film breakdown, rookie evaluations, and quality control responsibilities.
Carr began his coaching career at Alabama State as a graduate assistant from 2009-10, working with the tight ends, offensive line, and running backs.
A former Hornet student-athlete, Carr played offensive line at Alabama State from 2003-07 and earned three varsity letters. He helped lead the program to two SWAC Championship Game appearances, including the 2004 SWAC Championship title, while also capturing two SWAC Eastern Division championships.
A native of Mobile, Alabama, Carr played at Murphy High School, where he served as a team captain.
Carr earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a concentration in juvenile delinquency from Alabama State in 2008 and is pursuing a master's degree in education. He and his wife, Euri, reside in Montgomery.
