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By TYLER RALEY | Staff Writer

VALDOSTA, Ga. – One of Spain Park’s former star athletes will continue on in his coaching career in one of the places he competed in college.

Valdosta State University hired Graham Craig to be its 12th head football coach in an announcement on Jan. 20 from VSU Director of Athletics Troy Katen.

“We are thrilled to announce Graham Craig as the new head coach of the Blazer football program,” Katen said.  “Coach Craig is the perfect fit for what our program needs – a leader of high character and integrity, essential for providing long-term stability, sustaining our on-field success and driving progress in other areas.”

Craig played quarterback at Valdosta State in 2012 after transferring from Murray State. As a player, he helped lead the Blazers to their third football national title, playing nine games as a sophomore.

He previously served as the program’s offensive coordinator during the 2024 season, helping lead the team to its 11th Gulf South Conference Title and an appearance in the NCAA Division II national championship game. Valdosta State finished 13-1 overall and 6-0 in conference play.

“This past season, Coach Craig did an outstanding job leading our offense, achieving remarkable results while building strong relationships with our student-athletes,” Katen added.  “As a former Blazer, he has a deep connection within our program and strong ties to many former players.  He is committed to reconnecting with all of our football alumni, engaging with the Valdosta community, strengthening our bond across South Georgia and within our Blazer family.”

Craig’s offense finished 11th in the country and first in the GSC in total offense with 448.6 yards per game. They also finished eighth in the country in scoring offense with 40.1 points per game.

“I am extremely honored to be named the Head Coach at Valdosta State,” Craig said.  I want to thank President Dr. Richard Carvajal, Athletic Director Troy Katen and Blazer Nation for their faith in me to lead the Blazers.  I am excited to put together a winning staff, get to work in recruiting and prepare our team for spring ball.  My family and I love Valdosta and we can’t wait to continue being involved in the community.”

Craig spent the 2023 season as a senior offensive analyst/quarterbacks coach at Memphis.  He helped guide the Tigers to a 10-3 record and a Liberty Bowl title.  Memphis finished sixth nationally in scoring offense at 39.4 points per game, 14th in total offense (458.5 yards per game) and he coached quarterback Seth Henigan who finished seventh in the NCAA in total offense at 319.8 yards per contest.

Prior to Memphis, Craig spent four seasons at West Georgia and three as the offensive coordinator for the Wolves.  In 2022, his unit led the nation in total offense at 507 yards per game and led NCAA Division II in first downs per game averaging 27 per contest.  The offense was sixth in scoring (40 points per game), fifth in sacks allowed (just five sacks all season), third in passing offense (321 yards per game), seventh in tackles for loss allowed per game and 37th nationally in rushing offense at over 187 yards per game.

Prior to entering his collegiate playing and coaching days, Graham led the offense at Spain Park. His senior season as the quarterback saw the Jaguars make an appearance in the Class 6A state playoffs, where they fell to Hoover in the second round.

Craig was named to the Shelby County Reporter’s All-County Team for his efforts during his final season with the Jaguars, totaling 2,500 passing yards and 25 touchdowns.

Craig is married to fellow Spain Park graduate Lauren Young and the couple has two daughters, Lennon and Georgia.