Jay Accorsi Named First Head Football Coach

Salem Community College has announced the hiring of Jay Accorsi as the first head football coach, marking a historic milestone as SCC launches intercollegiate football this fall.

SCC introduced Accorsi at a football kickoff celebration on January 28 in the Davidow Theatre.

The national search for a head coach began following the SCC Board of Trustees’ approval in November to launch the football program -- an initiative that reflects the College’s continued growth, expanded student opportunities and commitment to athletic excellence. Accorsi’s extensive experience, championship pedigree and student-centered philosophy made him the clear choice to lead the Mighty Oaks into this new era, according to Director of Athletics Bob Hughes.

Accorsi joins SCC after a distinguished career at Rowan University, where he served as head football coach from 2002 to 2023, compiling an impressive 143-78 record and establishing the Profs as one of the premier programs in NCAA Division III football.

A 1989 graduate of Nichols College (Dudley, Mass.), Accorsi began his coaching career as an assistant football and baseball coach at his alma mater from 1989-93, before moving on to Rowan University as a graduate assistant in 1993. He was named Rowan’s head coach in 2002 and immediately led the Profs to a 10-1 record, an NJAC (New Jersey Athletic Conference) championship, and an appearance in the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament, earning NJAC Coach of the Year honors.

Over two decades, Rowan achieved sustained success under Accorsi, including:

• 2004 & 2005: Back-to-back NCAA Division III semifinal appearances, with the 2005 team finishing 11-2 and winning the NJAC Championship
• 2006: A 9-3 season, NJAC Championship, and NCAA quarterfinal appearance - Rowan’s third consecutive conference title
• 2008-2010: Records of 8-2, 7-3, and 9-1, with the 2010 team earning a share of the NJAC title
• 2012 & 2013: NCAA Championship berths, including a 9-3 record and NJAC title share in 2013
• 2014: A 7-4 season, NJAC championship share, and NCAA automatic bid, resulting in Accorsi being named NJAC Co-Coach of the Year

“My vision for our football program is to create an atmosphere where high school coaches want to send their players here, and in turn, college coaches want to recruit these players,” said Accorsi. “Our main goal is to help young men reach their goals athletically, academically, and most importantly socially. I want our program to be regarded as one of the best on the East Coast.”

For more information on Mighty Oaks Athletics, visit sccmightyoaks.com.