Paul Kelly is in his 11th year at Samford University and his third full season as the team's associate head coach. On June 2, 2005, head coach Jimmy Tillette promoted him to the position of associate head coach after he undoubtedly proved to be an integral member of the coaching staff as an assistant under Tillette since the 1997-98 season.

Associate Head Coach Paul Kelly

Kelly's main duties include recruiting, scouting and on-court coaching. He also runs the trendsetting Samford summer basketball camp that draws more than 600 participants each year.

Since his arrival in 1997, Kelly has been a vital part of the Samford coaching staff and was a key component in the Bulldogs' NCAA Tournament appearances in both 1999 and 2000.

Prior to his tenure at Samford, Kelly spent three years as the associate head coach at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La., where he worked under the tutelage of head coach Ron Everhart. During his time at McNeese State, he oversaw the Cowboys' offensive system and directed the team's academic progress.

In Kelly's final year at McNeese State, the Cowboys finished with an impressive 18-12 overall record and earned a share of the Southland Conference championship.

Before his stint at McNeese State, Kelly spent seven years as an assistant coach at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, La., where he coached former Bulldog and All-Atlantic Sun performers, Jonathan Pixley and current Samford assistant coach Derrick Jones.

In 1992, the Bears won their second straight district title and finished the season with a near-perfect 32-1 mark, advancing to the Class 5A state semifinals.

Kelly played under Tillette at New Orleans' De La Salle High School before attending Tulane University, where he graduated cum laude in English in 1987. Kelly earned his master's degree in English from McNeese State in 1998.

Born in Passaic City, N.J., Kelly and his wife, the former Jill Schexnaildre, have four sons: Kevin (14), Luke (12), Stephen (10) and John (6).