Central State University welcomes Coach James Lee to Head Coach Tony Carter's staff as the General Manager, Recruiting Coordinator and RB Coach for the Marauders football program.

James Lee serves as the General Manager, Recruiting Coordinator, and Running Backs Coach for the Central State University football program. A dynamic leader and proven talent developer and known as an excellent recruiter.  Lee brings over a decade of coaching, program-building, and player development experience to the Marauders.

Before arriving at Central State, Lee spent the 2023 and 2024 season at Ohio Dominican University, where he worked with the running backs and moved into the Assistant Head Coach position. While at Ohio Dominican Lee proved his ability to recruit by building what has been called one of the top recruiting classes in NCAA DII.   Prior to ODU, he built a strong coaching resume at KIPP Columbus, serving seven years in various roles, including Offensive Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator, Assistant Head Coach, and ultimately, Head Coach.

As head coach from 2021–2022, Lee led KIPP Columbus to historic success. In 2021, he guided the program to its first-ever appearance in the OHSAA State Tournament, earning a school-record seven wins (7–5) and its first playoff victory. That year, 12 players earned All-District honors and three received All-Ohio recognition. Lee was named both All-Ohio Coach of the Year and All-Central District Coach of the Year.

In 2022, Lee continued his program's upward trajectory as 10 players received All-District honors, and 85% of the roster earned a GPA of 2.5 or higher. His focus on academic and athletic excellence resulted in seven players earning full Division I scholarships, 13 receiving college offers, and five being recognized as national prospects.

Lee's coaching career began in youth football, where he spent five years (2012–2016) with USA Football's Columbus Raiders as Team Vice President. He also served on the board of the Columbus USA Youth Football League, holding both President and Vice President positions.

A native of Ohio, Lee is a 2009 graduate of Ohio Dominican University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Sports Management with a Business minor. He was a standout member of the Panthers football team from 2005–2009 and completed an internship with the ODU athletic department from 2008–2010.