Originally posted on January 12, 2024 by SAGU Sports Network
Waxahachie, TX – Assemblies of God University (SAGU) President Dr. Kermit Bridges and SAGU Athletic Director, Dr. Jesse Godding announced a new era in Lion Football with the hiring of Jared Hudgins as the ninth head coach in program history. Hudgins, an SAGU alumnus, has been on the football staff the past three years, serving as defensive coordinator.
Commenting on the hire of Hudgins President Bridges stated, “Jared Hudgins is the epitome of a SAGU Lion. Other than our AD, Dr. Jesse Godding, I can’t think of anyone more invested in this football program. From his stellar career as a player to his 7 seasons as an assistant coach, Coach Hudgins has played a critical role in our program’s success. As he now assumes the role of head coach, we look forward to SAGU football achieving even greater success in the days to come.”
Godding, who was the head coach during Hudgins playing time expressed, “Jared Hudgins embraces SAGU and will bring continued stability, a positive student-athlete experience, and competitiveness to the program. He has demonstrated success as a coordinator, understands recruiting to SAGU, and connects the Lion past and present. SAGU is committed to Christian discipleship of student-athletes and an athletic program that will strengthen the mission and values of SAGU and Jared will enhance that process.”
Hudgins attended SAGU from 2007-2011 playing linebacker for the Lions in the 2007-2010 football seasons. Hudgins left the program as the leading tackler in school history. After graduation the West Texas native returned to Midland, TX to work for Midland Christian as a coach and teacher. In 2015, he returned to the SAGU football program as an assistant under head coach Frank Tristan. Hudgins left SAGU to become the head coach and athletic director at Fort Worth Christian but returned to SAGU in 2021 as defensive coordinator.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity that President Bridges, Dr. Godding, the Executive Committee, and the Cabinet have given me to lead the SAGU Football Program,” stated Hudgins. “SAGU has been an influential place in my life. My walk with the Lord was deepened immensely here as a student-athlete, and I met lifelong friends in and out of athletics. This program changed the trajectory of my life. My prayer is that the student-athletes here get to experience similar events. I am grateful to my wife, Kaitlyn, whom I met at SAGU, and our daughters for living this coaching life with me at a place that means so much to us. I look forward to the future of SAGU Football and leading the young men on this team.”
Under Hudgins leadership, the 2022 SAGU defensive unit finished as the top in school history, setting multiple defensive team records. While coaching at SAGU Hudgins has been a part of all four postseason NCCAA Victory Bowl appearances by the Lions in 2015, 2017, 2021, and 2022 winning the 2015 and 2021 contests. SAGU defenses have produced 13 First and Second Team All-Conference performers in Hudgins tenure as defensive coordinator.
As a leading Christian university, SAGU educates and prepares individuals who want to serve Christ and others. SAGU helps students discover and develop their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered, learning community. We believe in affordable tuition, made possible in part through the financial support of donors who embrace the mission of SAGU and the importance of affordable, accredited programs to train Christians for leadership in ministry, business, education, and service. Most majors are available in-person in Waxahachie, TX, and online through a wide range of associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
