Candice Jackson Joins Auburn Women’s Basketball Staff, Bringing Experience, Leadership, and Vision
Candice Jackson is no stranger to the grind, the game, or the growth it takes to succeed in women’s college basketball. And now, she’s bringing that blend of grit, savvy, and leadership to the Auburn Tigers as the latest addition to their women’s basketball coaching staff. In a move that signals both intent and ambition, Auburn head coach Johnnie Harris welcomed Jackson aboard as an assistant coach, adding another high-level basketball mind to a program looking to turn the corner in the SEC.
Jackson joins the Tigers after a diverse coaching career that includes stops at top programs and a stint as a head coach. Her résumé is lined with the type of experience that reflects both player development and program building—two areas of paramount importance as Auburn seeks to elevate its position in a loaded Southeastern Conference.
A former standout guard at Duke University, Jackson has a deep understanding of what it means to perform at the highest level, both as a player and as a coach. During her time as a Blue Devil, she was part of teams that routinely made deep NCAA Tournament runs under legendary coach Gail Goestenkors. That championship-level exposure shaped Jackson’s coaching philosophy, and she’s spent her career instilling that same level of competitiveness and attention to detail in every program she’s touched.
Following her playing days at Duke, Jackson transitioned into coaching and steadily climbed the ladder. Her early years included assistant coaching roles at top-tier programs such as Wake Forest, Richmond, and Duke, where she returned to work under her former coach. Those formative years helped shape her coaching identity—one that emphasizes accountability, player empowerment, and a deep commitment to the process.
In 2014, Jackson landed her first head coaching opportunity at the College of Charleston. While wins and losses are the most visible measuring sticks, her tenure in Charleston was about more than the box score. She focused on culture-building, mentorship, and establishing a standard of excellence on and off the floor. The Cougars faced challenges, but Jackson’s leadership was instrumental in maintaining stability and structure within the program during a competitive era in the Colonial Athletic Association.
After her time in Charleston, Jackson continued to make an impact across the collegiate landscape. She served as an assistant at Mississippi State under Nikki McCray-Penson and later at North Carolina, contributing to both programs’ strategic development and recruiting success. Her role in player development, particularly with guards, earned her widespread respect, and her ability to connect with student-athletes has long been one of her calling cards.
Now at Auburn, Jackson steps into a staff that has been steadily building under Coach Harris. The Tigers have shown flashes of promise in recent seasons, with improved play, stronger recruiting, and a grittier identity. But the next step—turning competitiveness into consistency—requires both strategic acumen and the ability to guide young players through the rigors of SEC basketball. Jackson offers both.
Her arrival is also a reunion of sorts. Jackson and Harris share a long-standing connection, forged through the tight-knit community of women’s basketball coaching. Their mutual respect and shared values around player development and program-building make this a seamless fit. Harris has been deliberate in assembling a staff that complements her vision, and Jackson adds yet another layer of experience and relatability.
Auburn’s recent trajectory under Harris has been one of steady progress. The Tigers have made gains in recruiting, drawing in talent from across the Southeast and beyond, and have shown signs of becoming a tougher, more defensive-minded team. But in a league where programs like South Carolina, LSU, and Tennessee dominate the headlines, closing the gap requires more than talent. It demands tactical excellence, bench depth, and a strong culture. Jackson’s hire speaks directly to that need.
One of the immediate areas where Jackson will make an impact is in recruiting. Her deep ties in North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina give Auburn an additional edge in key recruiting hotbeds. She also brings credibility—recruits and their families know her background, and she has a proven track record of helping players reach their potential, both on and off the court.
Player development is another key area where Jackson will leave her mark. As a former point guard, she sees the game through a cerebral lens and excels at teaching the nuances of the sport. Auburn’s guard play has improved under Harris, but with Jackson on board, there’s a real opportunity to take it to the next level. Whether it’s through film sessions, on-court drills, or mental preparation, her approach is holistic and focused on building complete players.
The timing of Jackson’s addition is particularly noteworthy. Auburn is at a crossroads—a program with rich history but looking to reassert itself in the national conversation. The SEC is more competitive than ever, with perennial powerhouses and fast-rising programs battling for postseason positioning. Auburn has laid the groundwork, but the margin for error is razor-thin. Every coaching move matters. Every staff member plays a role. And Jackson is the kind of coach who elevates those around her.
Off the court, Jackson is also known for her advocacy, mentorship, and community engagement. She understands the broader mission of college athletics and embraces her role as a leader and role model. Auburn’s athletic department has placed increasing emphasis on holistic development, community connection, and academic success—and Jackson aligns perfectly with that ethos.
Her impact won’t be limited to just the players or even just the women’s basketball program. Jackson’s presence on campus adds another strong female leader to Auburn’s athletic landscape and continues the university’s trend of investing in excellence across all sports. In many ways, her hire reflects Auburn’s broader commitment to raising the bar—not just in wins and losses, but in leadership and legacy.
It’s also worth noting the timing within the college basketball calendar. With the transfer portal reshaping rosters across the country, assistant coaches play a crucial role in not only evaluating talent but also in retaining and re-recruiting current players. Jackson’s arrival gives Auburn a respected voice in that process. Her ability to build trust, communicate clearly, and foster relationships could prove invaluable during a time when player movement is at an all-time high.
Looking ahead, Jackson will be a central figure as Auburn prepares for next season. The offseason workouts, summer development programs, and early recruiting visits will all bear her fingerprints. From evaluating the returning core to helping integrate incoming freshmen and transfers, Jackson will play a hands-on role in shaping the Tigers’ identity. Her voice will be heard in film rooms, huddles, and practice gyms alike.
The excitement around Auburn women’s basketball is palpable, and the addition of Candice Jackson only adds fuel to that fire. For a program that’s hungry to climb, every detail matters—from the way drills are run to the culture that’s cultivated in the locker room. Jackson understands that better than most.
In the end, coaching hires don’t win championships on their own. But they can change the trajectory of a program. They can sharpen the vision, elevate the standard, and breathe new life into a team’s pursuit of greatness. Candice Jackson brings all of that to Auburn—and then some.
Her journey has been one of persistence, learning, and leadership. And now, she steps onto The Plains ready to make an impact, ready to build, and ready to help Auburn rise.
