Valdosta State football coach leaving to lead South Florida offense

Kerwin Bell went 27-7 in three seasons as Valdosta State's head coach.

Kerwin Bell went 27-7 in three seasons as Valdosta State's head coach.

Valdosta State head football coach Kerwin Bell has accepted the offensive coordinator position at the University of South Florida, the school announced Thursday.

Bell guided the Blazers to their first undefeated season (14-0) in 2018, and their fourth national championship since 2004.

The FCS school averaged 52 points per game this season, setting a new school and Gulf South Conference record. Under Bell, the team also set new school records for rushing yards (3,676 yards total and 262.6 yards per game) and total offense (7,334 total yards).

In three seasons under Bell, Valdosta State went 27-7. He becomes the fifth Blazer head coach to leave for a head coaching or offensive coordinator position at the FBS level.

Offensive line coach Jeremy Darveau will move on with Bell to Tampa. Blazers defensive coordinator Danny Verpaele also is leaving the program for an assistant coaching position at Kennesaw State.