LaGrange, Texas native Jeff Kelly joined the Trinity Valley football program in the fall of 2009 in the role of coaching the Cardinals defensive front.  Coach Kelly's 2009 defensive line helped pave the way for two of the conferences top sack artists in All-SWJCFC 2nd team performer Austin Luke and fellow freshman Brandon Harris.  Kelly has previously spent four years on both the coaching staffs of his alma mater Kansas State University and the University of Oklahoma in the roles of graduate assistant working with the defense and assistant recruiting coordinator. 

Prior to joining the coaching ranks Jeff Kelly enjoyed an illustrious football career as a linebacker at all levels of football.  He began his collegiate playing career at Garden City Community College, where he received All-American honors, then signed with the Wildcats of Kansas State and enjoyed a rewarding career as the captain of one of the nation’s premier defenses.  Twice being named to the Big 12’s Defensive 1^st Team (1998 & 1999), Jeff was selected as the Big 12’s Defensive Player of the Year (1999) and was also named to the AP, Football News and Football Writer’s All-American Teams.  Drafted in the 6^th round of the 1999 NFL draft, Jeff spent 4 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and then 1 season with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL.

 Coach Kelly has also spent time providing personal training and directing youth camps throughout the state of Texas, as well as working with the Youth Leadership Foundation.  Jeff is foremost a dedicated father to his beautiful daughter Kennedy.