A Note From Jim Cole
7/29/2026 2:32:00 PM | Athletics Department
As a follow-up to today's announcement (MEDIA RELEASE), I want to thank Mercer University for the incredible opportunity I've had to serve as Athletics Director. Coming back to my alma mater where I was a scholar-athlete has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. It's a journey made possible thanks to the outstanding leadership and support of President Elkins and Bill Underwood, who took a chance on me 16 years ago. Both have provided us with the resources to win championships, as have all the amazing coaches and staff that have supported me in the day-to-day operations. I am so grateful to you all.
Over the years, we've accomplished so much together – from restarting our football program after 72 years to that unforgettable Duke upset in the 2014 NCAA basketball tournament that earned national headlines (and an ESPY award for the biggest upset of the year in all of sports). From 1950-2009, we won 15 conference and tournament championships in 60 years. From 2010-2026, we won 51 in 16 years. I am very proud of our numbers as they reflect how we all moved Mercer forward. A team effort!
But beyond the headlines, I'm most proud of how we've improved the overall scholar-athlete experience through better facilities, enhanced game day programming, and by creating more pathways for our athletes to succeed both academically and athletically.
The timing of my announcement to step down as Athletics Director follows the recent graduation of my two children from Mercer this past spring. My wife Gaylyn and I are so thankful for the time we've had here at Mercer, especially these past few years when they were both on campus. We are very proud of our daughter Caroline, a newly minted School of Law graduate, and our son Lawson, who earned his bachelor's degree. Now, just like my children, I'm ready to move into the next phase of life with them as business colleagues, grateful for the opportunities our Mercer experience has provided. As I take that step, you will still find me in the front row cheering on the Bears for years to come.
Every good coach knows that planning matters, and over the last couple of years, my goal has been to ensure Athletics was positioned to continue to thrive without me. I'm confident we are poised for success under new leadership, and I'm excited to see Brian Gerrity step into this role as my successor. Brian is deeply committed to our mission and has the vision, energy and relationships necessary to lead our Mercer Bears to even greater heights. Know I have fully committed to supporting him and Mercer throughout this transition. That's a promise.
To Mercer, our scholar-athletes, coaches, fans, partners and community: thank you again for an amazing journey.
And it goes without saying, of course: Go Bears!
Over the years, we've accomplished so much together – from restarting our football program after 72 years to that unforgettable Duke upset in the 2014 NCAA basketball tournament that earned national headlines (and an ESPY award for the biggest upset of the year in all of sports). From 1950-2009, we won 15 conference and tournament championships in 60 years. From 2010-2026, we won 51 in 16 years. I am very proud of our numbers as they reflect how we all moved Mercer forward. A team effort!
But beyond the headlines, I'm most proud of how we've improved the overall scholar-athlete experience through better facilities, enhanced game day programming, and by creating more pathways for our athletes to succeed both academically and athletically.
The timing of my announcement to step down as Athletics Director follows the recent graduation of my two children from Mercer this past spring. My wife Gaylyn and I are so thankful for the time we've had here at Mercer, especially these past few years when they were both on campus. We are very proud of our daughter Caroline, a newly minted School of Law graduate, and our son Lawson, who earned his bachelor's degree. Now, just like my children, I'm ready to move into the next phase of life with them as business colleagues, grateful for the opportunities our Mercer experience has provided. As I take that step, you will still find me in the front row cheering on the Bears for years to come.
Every good coach knows that planning matters, and over the last couple of years, my goal has been to ensure Athletics was positioned to continue to thrive without me. I'm confident we are poised for success under new leadership, and I'm excited to see Brian Gerrity step into this role as my successor. Brian is deeply committed to our mission and has the vision, energy and relationships necessary to lead our Mercer Bears to even greater heights. Know I have fully committed to supporting him and Mercer throughout this transition. That's a promise.
To Mercer, our scholar-athletes, coaches, fans, partners and community: thank you again for an amazing journey.
And it goes without saying, of course: Go Bears!
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