Joel Taylor returns to Macon as Bears’ head football coach

Taylor replaces Mike Jacobs and becomes Mercer's 22nd head football coach.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Mercer University has moved quickly to fill its football coaching vacancy, announcing Thursday that Joel Taylor has been named the Bears’ 22nd head football coach.

Taylor replaces Mike Jacobs, who stepped down Wednesday to accept the head coaching job at the University of Toledo.

Taylor brings 21 years of collegiate coaching experience and is already familiar to Mercer fans. He previously served as the Bears’ defensive coordinator from 2020 to 2023, helping lead the program to 28 wins during that span and its first-ever NCAA FCS playoff appearance in 2023.

Most recently, Taylor was the head coach at the University of West Georgia, where he guided the Wolves through their transition to Division I FCS competition. West Georgia posted eight wins in the 2025 season and climbed as high as No. 16 in national polls. Taylor earned United Athletic Conference and AFCA Region 3 Coach of the Year honors following that campaign.

“We are thrilled to welcome Joel Taylor back to Mercer as our head football coach,” Mercer Athletics Director Jim Cole said in a statement. “He is a tremendous teacher, a man of integrity, and someone who pours into young people.”

During his time at Mercer as defensive coordinator, Taylor oversaw one of the top defensive units in the FCS, including a 2022 squad that led the subdivision with 17 interceptions. His defenses consistently ranked among the nation’s best against the run and in scoring defense.

Taylor said returning to Macon is meaningful for both his career and his family.

“Mercer is a place that has meant a great deal to my family and me,” Taylor said. “I am honored to lead these young men as we pursue championships and continue the momentum that has been established.”

Before his return to Mercer, Taylor also coached at Lenoir-Rhyne, The Citadel and South Carolina State, his alma mater. As a player at South Carolina State, he was a four-year letterwinner and team captain.

Mercer officials did not announce when Taylor will be formally introduced.