MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. | Former Florida Memorial University football star Darius Conley was hired as the defensive back coach for Georgia Military Junior College Bulldogs. After serving as a graduate student for the FMU Football team this past season, Conley lands his first job coaching at the collegiate level.

"This opportunity truly represents a full-circle moment," said Conley. "I entered Florida Memorial University as a student-athlete and left as a team captain. The lessons I learned here about accountability, sacrifice, discipline, and leadership have remained with me after my playing days."

Conley played for FMU as a defensive back from 2021-2024. During his stint, he was named second-team All-SUN Conference in 2023. In 2025, Conley was a graduate student for the football program, helping lead the defense to it's more successful season in the modern era, including allowing a program-low seven points in a dominant 85-7 road win over Thomas.

"Transitioning into the graduate assistant role challenged me in new ways and accelerated my growth as a coach, educator, and man," said Conley. "It prepared me for the responsibility that comes with leading and developing a position group, both on and off the field. I'm thankful to the FMU coaching staff and administration for believing in me, investing in my development, and trusting me with this opportunity."

Head coach Michael Jones talked about Conley's new position and how he's watched him develop from the beginning of the program to today.

"Darius was apart of the program since the beginning and help set the foundation," said Jones. " It was paying it forward to assist him in transitioning to a graduate assistant/coach while working towards his masters degree. He did a tremendous job with coaching and being a mentor to the players. I am sure he will be successful in his new endeavor coaching the secondary at Georgia Military Junior College."

The Bulldogs finished the 2025 season with a 10-1 record, including a nine-game win streak to end the year. They compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association. The Bulldogs are led by head coach Rob Manchester.

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