Georgia Southern University Athletics

Rance Gillespie is in his first season as the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for head coach Tyson Summers at Georgia Southern. Gillespie, who has previous ties to Georgia Southern Football as the offensive coordinator of the Eagles from 2007-2009, found success at the high school level as well, winning a pair state championships in the state of Georgia. 

Gillespie spent the previous six seasons as the head coach of Valdosta (GA) High School, picking up 49 wins at one of the winningest high school programs in American football history. The Wildcats reached the state playoffs in each of Gillespie’s seasons, including a quarterfinal berth in 2010.

In his first tenure at GS, the 2008 and 2009 offensive attacks led the Southern Conference in passing offense and also ranked high nationally. The Eagles also stood 20th nationally in scoring offense and 37th in total offense in 2008. The running backs were one of the youngest position groups on the team, led by three freshmen in 2008. Adam Urbano led all backs scoring seven touchdowns, three coming in overtime periods and two which won the game (at Western Carolina, at The Citadel). He would go on to earn a spot on the SoCon All-Freshman Team. In 2009, receiver Raja Andrews earned second-team all-conference honors. Gillespie also oversaw the kickoff return and returners. Andrews ranked 12th nationally averaging 14 yards per punt return in 2008. The punt return unit actually tied a program record with two returns for a touchdown.

During the staff’s first year in Statesboro the offense put up some of the best numbers in program history. The Eagles’ impressive offense, led by Walter Payton Award winner Jayson Foster, ranked first in rushing, eighth in total offense, eighth in scoring offense and 23rd in sacks allowed with Gillespie calling the plays. Not only did the Eagles score nearly 37 points per game, but when it came to making a play in the clutch they did just that, finishing first nationally in fourth down conversions.

Working a running backs group hit hard all season long by injuries, Gillespie saw freshman Zeke Rozier earn Southern Conference Freshman of the Week honors in just his second collegiate game. Wide receiver-turned-running back Chris Teal earned the same honor in October.

Amid the record-setting season by Foster, Gillespie helped coach Lamar Lewis to a second-team All-SoCon honor. If it wasn’t for an injury which required him to miss most of two games, Lewis would have surpassed 1,000 rushing yards (955 on 143 carries).

Prior to his first stint in Statesboro, Gillespie led Peach County High School to the Class AAA state championship in 2005 and 2006, the first two state titles in school history. He posted a 65-16 record as head coach during his tenure, including an impressive 50-8 mark his last four seasons. From 1995-99, he served as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator.

During his tenure at Peach County, dating back to the 1995 season, Gillespie had every starting quarterback signed to a college scholarship. Following the ’06 state championship season 10 of his players signed a National Letter of Intent, including four that went to Vanderbilt, Troy, Maryland and UAB.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution named him Coach of the Year in consecutive years (2005-06). He also received coaching accolades from the Macon Touchdown Club and Atlanta Touchdown Club (Class AAA). Following the first state title, Gillespie was named Region 4AAA Coach of the Year, marking the third straight year he won that award. In 2004 he was not only named Region Coach of the Year, but also Athletics Director of the Year.

Peach County’s amazing run began in 2003 when they not only won the Region title but was a state runner-up. Over those four years Gillespie would lead his team to the Region 4AAA title and playoff berth every season. The 2004 team advanced to the quarterfinals, then Peach County won consecutive state titles.

During his days as offensive coordinator, Gillespie and Peach County won three straight Region 4AAA titles and was state runner-up in 1998.

Gillespie also served as head coach at Banks County High School from 1999-2001. He served as the running backs coach at Coffee High School from 1994-95, and from 1992-94 was the wide receivers coach at Thomasville High School.

Gillespie began his collegiate playing career as a walk-on defensive back at Georgia, graduating in 1992. He was a four-year member of the program from 1987-90.

Originally from Clayton, Georgia, Gillespie is married to Claudette Giles-Gillespie and they have one daughter, Kennedy.

THE GILLESPIE FILE

Personal
Hometown: Clayton, Ga.
Born: May 12, 1969 in Athens, Ga.
Alma Mater: Georgia (1992); Georgia College and State University (2003)
Education: Bachelor’s (history education); Master’s (educational leadership)
Family: wife, Claudette; daughter, Kennedy

Playing Experience
Georgia (1987-90)

Coaching Experience
2016-: Georgia Southern (co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)
2010-15: Valdosta (Ga.) HS (head coach/athletic director)
2007-09: Georgia Southern (offensive coordinator)
2002-06: Peach County (Ga.) HS (head coach/athletic director)
1999-01: Banks County (Ga.) HS (head coach)
1995-98: Peach County (Ga.) HS (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)
1994: Coffee (Ga.) HS (running backs)
1992-93: Thomasville (Ga.) HS (wide receivers)

Bowl Experience
Player
1989: Peach (Georgia vs. Syracuse)
1988: Gator (Georgia vs. Michigan State)
1987: Liberty (Georgia vs. Arkansas)

Awards/Honors/Recognitions
• Two Georgia Class AAA state titles (2005, 2006) at Peach County HS
• Two-time Atlanta Journal-Constitution Coach of the Year (2005, 2006)