Candice Jackson has joined the staff of Auburn women’s basketball.

In the world of college basketball, coaching changes are part of the landscape. But the announcement of Candice Jackson joining Auburn University’s women’s basketball staff has sent a wave of excitement through the Auburn community and beyond. Jackson, an accomplished coach with a wealth of experience in Division I women’s basketball, is set to make an immediate impact on the Tigers. Her hiring comes on the heels of significant changes within the program, most notably the stepping down of long-time head coach Johnnie Harris in March 2025. As Auburn searches for a new head coach, Jackson’s appointment as both an assistant coach and chief of staff is a strategic move designed to position the program for long-term success.

A Storied Career in Women’s Basketball

Candice Jackson’s basketball journey is not just one of longevity but of success and progression. Over her 18-year career in Division I basketball, she has honed her craft as both a head coach and assistant coach, leaving a lasting impact wherever she has gone. Her extensive experience includes stints at some of the most prestigious basketball programs in the country, including Duke, Wake Forest, and the University of Richmond, as well as head coaching roles at the College of Charleston.

The Head Coach Role at College of Charleston

One of Jackson’s most notable roles was her tenure as the head coach at the College of Charleston from 2014 to 2019. Under her leadership, the program experienced a remarkable transformation. Jackson’s defensive expertise was evident in the 2017-2018 season when her team set a school record for the fewest points allowed in a game, defeating UNCW 68-24. Her defensive acumen became one of the hallmarks of her coaching philosophy, and it is something she will likely bring to Auburn.

Jackson’s recruiting strategies also helped elevate the program. She was instrumental in developing players who would go on to earn individual accolades. One such player was Breanna Bolden, a standout guard who became the Colonial Athletic Association’s (CAA) Defensive Player of the Year multiple times under Jackson’s tutelage. Bolden’s success is a testament to Jackson’s ability to develop players not only in terms of skills but also in mindset, pushing them to reach their potential on both sides of the ball.

Jackson’s success at Charleston didn’t go unnoticed. She was known for her player development, ability to build strong team cultures, and her dedication to academic achievement. During her five years at Charleston, Jackson laid the groundwork for the future of the program, which is something she will bring with her to Auburn.

Assistant Coaching Positions at Elite Programs

Before landing the head coaching position at Charleston, Jackson made a name for herself as an assistant coach at some of the most prestigious programs in women’s college basketball. As an assistant at Duke University, she played a crucial role in the program’s success during the early 2010s. In 2012 and 2013, she helped the Blue Devils reach the NCAA Elite Eight, marking two of the most successful seasons in the history of the program.

At Wake Forest, Jackson was instrumental in leading the team to an 18-14 overall record and an appearance in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) during the 2009-2010 season. During her time at both Duke and Wake Forest, Jackson worked closely with the teams’ guards and was recognized for her exceptional recruiting efforts, which helped both programs attract top-tier talent.

Her time at Richmond, Michigan State, Buffalo, and VCU further solidified her reputation as an exceptional recruiter and a tireless worker on the sidelines. Jackson’s ability to spot talent and her unwavering commitment to player development made her a highly sought-after assistant coach. Each of these roles allowed her to sharpen her skills as both a tactician and a mentor, learning from some of the brightest minds in the game while leaving her mark on each program she worked with.

Candice Jackson’s Coaching Philosophy

Central to Jackson’s success as a coach is her commitment to developing the complete player. While she is known for her emphasis on defense, her coaching philosophy goes beyond just schemes and systems. Jackson believes in building strong, self-confident players who understand the importance of discipline, hard work, and accountability. She is known for her attention to detail and her ability to connect with athletes, instilling in them a sense of pride in both their academic and athletic endeavors.

Her defensive mindset has often been praised by colleagues, as she has built multiple teams that excelled at guarding the ball and preventing easy scoring opportunities. Whether it’s through man-to-man pressure or zone defenses, Jackson has found ways to get the best out of her players, pushing them to embrace a defensive identity while also developing their offensive games.

Perhaps most importantly, Jackson is a coach who cares deeply about her players’ lives beyond the basketball court. This holistic approach has earned her the respect of both players and colleagues, making her a highly respected figure in women’s basketball circles.

Jackson’s New Role at Auburn

Candice Jackson’s appointment to Auburn is a major step forward for the Tigers. While the program is currently undergoing leadership changes with the search for a new head coach, Jackson’s experience and leadership will be crucial in ensuring the program continues to operate at a high level. Her dual role as assistant coach and chief of staff positions her to have an immediate and long-lasting impact on the team.

What Jackson Brings to Auburn

Auburn’s women’s basketball program has long been competitive within the Southeastern Conference (SEC), but recent years have seen the Tigers struggle to consistently compete for championships. Jackson’s arrival will help bring stability to a program in transition. Her wealth of experience, especially in player development, recruiting, and building a strong team culture, will be vital in shaping the team’s future.

Jackson’s reputation as a tenacious recruiter will be particularly beneficial to Auburn, a program that competes in one of the toughest conferences in the country. Recruiting will be critical to Auburn’s success moving forward, and Jackson’s track record of identifying talent and developing players makes her the perfect fit for the role. Whether it’s landing high school prospects or transfer portal players, Jackson’s expertise in building strong teams from the ground up will help Auburn continue to attract top-tier talent.

Additionally, Jackson’s strong defensive philosophy will likely have a significant impact on Auburn’s playing style. Known for her ability to develop stifling defensive units, Jackson will bring a defensive-first mentality that will complement the Tigers’ offensive schemes. Auburn fans can expect to see a team that plays with intensity on both ends of the floor, focusing on creating turnovers and limiting their opponents’ scoring opportunities.

The Importance of Candice Jackson’s Leadership

While Jackson’s role as an assistant coach is important, her role as chief of staff also signals her importance to the program’s overall strategy and direction. As chief of staff, Jackson will assist in the daily operations of the team, contributing to everything from scheduling and team logistics to long-term program development. Her organizational skills and experience in managing multiple facets of a program will be invaluable as Auburn moves forward in its search for a new head coach.

Her leadership will also play a crucial role in maintaining stability within the program during this transitional period. As the team continues to compete in the SEC, Jackson will serve as a stabilizing force, keeping the Tigers focused on their goals and ensuring that the program’s standards remain high. Her deep knowledge of the game, combined with her experience in coaching and administration, makes her the perfect person to hold this pivotal role.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Auburn Women’s Basketball

With Candice Jackson on board, Auburn’s women’s basketball program has a strong foundation to build on for the future. As the Tigers continue their search for a new head coach, Jackson’s leadership will be crucial in keeping the program on track and ensuring that Auburn remains competitive in one of the toughest conferences in women’s college basketball.

Jackson’s combination of coaching experience, player development expertise, and leadership skills makes her a valuable asset to the Tigers. Her impact will be felt both on the court, as Auburn’s defense becomes more formidable, and off the court, as she helps guide the team through a period of transition and growth. Auburn fans can look forward to seeing a rejuvenated program that is well-positioned for success in the years to come.

Candice Jackson’s hiring as assistant coach and chief of staff for Auburn women’s basketball is a move that brings both stability and excitement to a program in transition. With a proven track record of success at some of the nation’s top basketball programs, Jackson is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of Auburn basketball. Her experience as a recruiter, coach, and leader will be instrumental in the Tigers’ pursuit of excellence both on and off the court. Auburn fans can expect great things from Jackson and the future of the women’s basketball program.