CARROLLTON, Ga. - The University of West Georgia department of Athletics announced today that Joel Taylor has resigned his position as head football coach to take the same position at Mercer University.  

"Words cannot be articulated in a sufficient fashion to describe how impactful Joel Taylor's time at the University of West Georgia has been. His positive impact has been felt throughout the football program, the Athletics Department, as well as the broader campus and community," said Director of Athletics Jason Carmichael. "He will certainly be missed but we are collectively thankful to have worked with Coach Taylor during these last two years." 

Taylor, who came to UWG after a stint as Mercer's defensive coordinator from 2020-2023, went 12-10 in his two seasons at the helm of the UWG program. He ushered the program into the Division I era with incredible success, ending the 2025 season with eight wins and being named the UAC Coach of the Year as a result. 

A national search for the program's next head coach has already begun. 

"As we move forward, we look forward to finding the next leader for UWG Football to help us build on the foundation that has been laid over the last several years," Carmichael added. "Excellence is a standard we aim to continue to pursue, and we look forward to identifying our next partner in this pursuit."