DOVER, Del. — Former NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson has been appointed as the new head coach for the football program at Delaware State University.
The announcement came on Friday, marking another instance of a former NFL player stepping into a coaching role within the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), following last week’s hiring of Michael Vick by Norfolk State.
Tony Tucker, the newly appointed athletic director at Delaware State, expressed his confidence in Jackson’s fit for the position, stating, “DeSean Jackson is a perfect fit for our institution — incredibly competitive, optimistic about the prospects for our collective future.”
Jackson’s hiring adds to a growing trend where accomplished former NFL athletes are leading historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in their football programs. Notably, Deion Sanders made significant strides at Jackson State before transitioning to coaching at Colorado, and Eddie George led Tennessee State to the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs this year.
In reflecting on his new role, Jackson emphasized the positive narrative surrounding HBCUs, stating, “HBCUs have much to be proud of in creating a more representative America. But that story is not simply a historical one. It continues to be written and includes the elevation of HBCU scholars and scholar-athletes in every field of human endeavor. The opportunity for me to help write another chapter here at DSU is a once-in-a-lifetime moment consistent with my journey as a young boy finding his way to manhood through mentorship, accountability, achievement, and discipline.”
Jackson steps into the role after the Hornets concluded a challenging season with a 1-11 record, taking the place of Lee Hull. Additionally, Delaware State announced the departure of former athletic director Alecia Shields-Gadson, who will resign at the end of the year, with Tucker set to assume her responsibilities.
Originally from Los Angeles, Jackson played his college football at the University of California. His professional career spanned teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles, the Washington Redskins, and the Baltimore Ravens, all of which are in relative proximity to Delaware State.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, who guided Jackson during his tenure in Philadelphia, remarked, “DeSean is like a son to me — a fierce competitor on the field, without rival, and a quality leader off of it. I could not be more supportive of his desire to coach Division I football and would stake my career on his success at Delaware State University. We are bound at the hip and are forever family. I cannot wait to see where he takes the university and where the university takes him. This is a win-win for everyone.”
Delaware State is set to host a press conference introducing Jackson on January 8.
