Jay Accorsi Named First Head Football Coach at Salem Community College

Jay Accorsi Named First Head Football Coach at Salem Community College
January 28, 2026

Carneys Point, N.J. - Salem Community College has announced the hiring of Jay Accorsi as the first head football coach in the history of the institution, marking a historic milestone as the College officially brings intercollegiate football to campus for the first time.

The national search for a head coach began following the College Board of Trustees meeting in November that approved the launch of the football program - an initiative that reflects Salem'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.

"With the hiring of Jay Accorsi, Salem Community College takes a bold and historic step forward, laying the foundation for a football program built on excellence, opportunity, and student success," said President Dr. Michael Gorman. 

Accorsi joins Salem after a distinguished career at Rowan University, where he served as head football coach from 2002 to 2023, compiling an impressive 143-78 overall 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, a New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) championship, and an appearance in the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament, earning NJAC Coach of the Year honors.

Under Accorsi's leadership, Rowan enjoyed sustained success over two decades, 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

Accorsi officially takes on a new challenge as he becomes the architect of Salem Community College's football program from the ground up.

"In my wildest dreams, I never could have imagined creating a junior college football program right here in Southern New Jersey," Accorsi said. "In just the last several weeks while recruiting high schools in the area, so many coaches have remarked, 'Coach, it is about time for South Jersey!'"

Accorsi expressed gratitude to Salem's leadership for their vision and commitment.

"I want to thank the Board of Trustees and in particular Board Chair Jason Supernavage. Their critical thinking, challenging questioning, and thorough examination of the process revealed to me the seriousness in which they guide this institution."

He also praised Salem Community College President Dr. Michael Gorman and the College's senior leadership.

"Within the first few minutes of meeting with President Dr. Michael Gorman, I knew I had found the right leadership needed to pull off something this extraordinary. Many educational leaders talk about the importance of students, but none compare to his actual caring for them which I have witnessed firsthand. President Gorman is transformational, not transactional."

Accorsi highlighted the collaborative culture within Salem Athletics and outlined his vision for the new program.

"Along with Athletic Director Bob Hughes and the rest of the senior leadership team, I know why this small institution is thriving and flourishing. Their hard work, commitment, and caring for students are exceptional."

"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. 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."

Accorsi closed by emphasizing the opportunity ahead.

"I am so excited to start this journey and to have the privilege of serving as the head football coach for Salem Community College—the affordable, quality, empowering, and personalized educational opportunity. Go Mighty Oaks!"