Jamal Willis joined the Georgia State staff in February 2026 as the assistant coach for distance and director of operations for track and field.
Willis came to the Panthers after serving as an assistant coach at Oglethorpe University, where he helped develop student-athletes who combined for 13 school records and multiple conference championships across events ranging from the 800 meters to the 10K. During the 2024 cross country season, he assisted in coaching the SAA Conference Runner of the Year, helped develop the 8K school and conference record holder, and supported the program’s first conference champion and NCAA qualifiers, contributing to the best regional and national finishes in program history.
In the 2024–25 indoor track season, Willis helped coach Oglethorpe’s first indoor national qualifier as athletes earned conference titles in the 800m, mile, 5K and distance medley relay while setting multiple school records. During the 2025 outdoor season, he helped guide athletes to conference championships in the 800m, 1500m, 5K and steeplechase, along with additional school records, and supported recruiting efforts for the women’s cross country program.
Willis previously served as head coach of the Georgia Tech Running Wreck Club, where he oversaw program planning, athlete education and day-to-day coaching operations. He designed seasonal training plans, organized workouts and competitions, and managed a roster of more than 50 club athletes. Under his leadership, athletes achieved success at the regional and national levels, including a Publix Atlanta Marathon champion, a top-10 NIRCA national cross country finisher, and NIRCA Southeast Regional team and individual championships.
He has also coached at Midtown High School and North Springs High School, working with athletes who earned GHSA state championships, state medals and school records across distance events.
A graduate student in physics at the University of Georgia, Willis brings an athlete-centered and detail-oriented approach focused on long-term development, consistency and competitive excellence.
