Former NFL player Andrew Jordan named football coach at alma mater West Charlotte

Former West Charlotte High football player Andrew Jordan will replace the late Mo Collins as his alma mater’s football coach.

Jordan, 42, graduated from West Charlotte in 1990 and played college football at North Greenville and Western Carolina.

A tight end, he was a sixth-round draft pick by the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings in 1994 and played eight seasons with the Vikings, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay. He is currently self-employed in Charlotte.

Jordan coached offensive linemen at West Charlotte last season under Collins, who died unexpectedly in October. Assistant coach Drew Hackett finished the season as the Lions’ interim coach.

Last season, West Charlotte finished 5-7, its most wins since 2010. Jordan will be the Lions’ third head coach in three seasons and the school’s fifth in nine seasons. Once one of the state’s best programs, West Charlotte has had one winning season in the past six.

West Charlotte athletics director Chris Satterfield said Jordan was chosen from more than 50 applicants.

“He is very similar to Mo, as far as his deep roots to West Charlotte,” Satterfield said of Jordan. “He understands Xs and Os. He understands kids. He understands the community and he understands what the commitment is at West Charlotte.

“It’s a huge undertaking, and he’s very professional and well-rounded. The program is in good hands.”

This story was originally published January 27, 2015 at 2:47 PM with the headline "Former NFL player Andrew Jordan named football coach at alma mater West Charlotte."