Who Is Joe Cox’s Wife? Exploring the Personal Life of the Ole Miss Coach
If you follow college football, you might know Joe Cox as the determined former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback who now serves as the tight ends coach at Ole Miss. But beyond the field, there’s another part of his story that fans often ask about—Joe Cox’s wife. Who is the woman beside him through the highs and lows of a competitive sports career? What is known about her role in his life and the quiet strength behind the scenes?
In this article, you’ll get to know more about Erica Cox—Joe’s wife, their family, and how the couple maintains a strong foundation despite the spotlight that sometimes accompanies college football coaching.
Who Is Joe Cox?
Before we talk about his personal life, let’s quickly revisit who Joe Cox is. He first entered the national sports radar as a high school quarterback in North Carolina. He gained further prominence at the University of Georgia, where he served as a backup quarterback before eventually becoming a starter during the 2009 season. Although his career on the field didn’t lead to the NFL, it did lay the groundwork for a coaching path that’s still evolving today.
Joe began his coaching journey soon after college, holding positions at various programs, including Colorado State and South Carolina. As of now, he’s the tight ends coach at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), a role he stepped into with a reputation for strong leadership, detailed preparation, and an ability to connect with players.
Joe Cox’s Marital Status
Now to the part you’re here for—Joe Cox is married to Erica Cox. The two have built a stable life together, grounded in mutual support and shared experience. They tied the knot in March 2016 after dating for several years. Their marriage has been marked by love, respect, and the kind of emotional teamwork that becomes vital when you’re juggling the unpredictability of coaching careers.
Together, Joe and Erica are the proud parents of three children: a daughter named Avery and twin boys, Jace and Tate. You won’t find them putting their private lives on display for the world to see, but every so often, small glimpses shared through university media or social coverage reflect a warm and joyful family.
Family Life and Public Attention
Joe and Erica first met during their time at the University of Georgia, when he was playing football and she was also a student. Over time, their friendship blossomed into romance, and they remained together as Joe’s career took him across the country for coaching roles. Throughout these transitions, Erica has been a stabilizing force, providing consistency as the family moved from one university town to another.
Despite being the wife of a coach in the highly visible SEC football world, Erica has managed to stay away from the limelight. She’s not one to chase media attention or social media popularity. Instead, she focuses on raising their children and supporting Joe’s career with a quiet resilience that many football wives understand all too well.
That said, the Cox family did receive some unexpected media attention in 2023 when a dating anecdote from Kelly Stafford—wife of NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford—caused a bit of confusion involving Joe’s name.
Addressing Public Speculation
In a podcast episode, Kelly Stafford shared a story from her college days about briefly dating a Georgia backup quarterback. She mentioned regretting how she handled the relationship and didn’t mention the player by name. However, online speculation quickly pointed fingers toward Joe Cox, as he fit the description during the time she referenced.
The internet, being what it is, ran wild with the story until Kelly Stafford stepped forward to clear the air. In a public statement, she clarified that it was not Joe Cox she had dated and that she deeply regretted the unintended consequence of her vague reference. She apologized directly to both Joe and Erica Cox for the confusion and for any discomfort the story may have caused their family.
Joe and Erica handled the situation gracefully. There were no fiery responses or media drama—just a dignified silence that said more than any statement ever could. Their handling of the ordeal earned them quiet admiration from fans and peers alike. It served as a reminder that calm, respectful boundaries still have a place in the age of viral content and constant speculation.
Balancing Family and Football
Being the wife of a football coach, especially in college athletics, is no easy feat. It involves frequent moves, long hours apart, intense public scrutiny during game seasons, and a need to remain flexible through coaching changes and recruiting schedules. Erica Cox seems to navigate this world with a sense of grace and purpose, anchoring their family while Joe commits to his team.
Joe himself has often spoken about the importance of family. In interviews, he’s acknowledged the sacrifices his wife makes and how much her support means to him. It’s clear that their marriage is a true partnership—one where each person plays a crucial role in the success of the other.
They make it work by prioritizing each other and their children. Whether it’s making time for weekend family breakfasts or coordinating school drop-offs around football practice schedules, the Coxes have found ways to stay connected in a lifestyle that often pulls families in opposite directions.
Featured Image Source: dailymail.co.uk
