NFL standout DeSean Jackson named Delaware State University football coach

It  marks a trend of former pro players coaching Historically Black Colleges and University teams. Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick was recently named coach at Norfolk State.

University of Colorado coach Deion Sanders moved the Buffaloes into the national rankings after a successful stint as coach of an  HCBU team.

In his first hire as DSU Athletic Director, Senior Associate Vice President for Athletics and Wellness Tony Tucker announced Jackson's hiring.

“DeSean Jackson is a perfect fit for our institution – incredibly competitive, optimistic about the prospects for our collective future, and focused on the fundamentals of the institution: students first,”  Tucker stated. 

Jackson, a Los Angeles native, layed 15 seasons in the NFL with  stints in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, all areas where DSU seeks recruits.

 “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,”  Jackson stated.

 Amazon Prime will release a documentary on Jackson's life this fall.

 “DeSean is like a son to me – a fierce competitor on the field, without rival, and a quality leader off of it,” said former Philadelphia Eagles coach and three-time Super Bowel winning Kansas City Chiefs Coach Andy Reid. “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, particularly the young men that get to learn from him and the incredible staff he will assemble – many football aficionados who have been with him since the very beginning.”

 Three-time Super Bowl champion and Delaware State University alumnus John Taylor, who played for the San Francisco 49ers throughout his career and who was a 2019 Black Collegiate Football Hall of Fame inductee, happens to be DeSean Jackson’s uncle. 

“Having played football for many different coaches throughout my career, each one has added a unique dynamic to my game. I’m excited to see the new direction Coach Jackson will take the team – his vision and leadership are sure to bring fresh energy and opportunities for growth,” said Taylor.

 Two years ago, the University began its Athletic Transformation project focused primarily on football.

The centerpiece of the effort is an indoor training facility and  upgrades to Alumni Stadium. The overall project is expected to cost $25 million to $30 million. 

DSU  is coming off a 1 and 11 season that has stood in contrast to the upward trajectory of the university under President Tony Allen.

Under Allen, DSU has raised its national profile and gained  enrollment while acquiring financially troubled Wesley College in Dover.

 “We no longer dream big dreams. We are in execution mode, which means having the right vision, the right talent, and a set of inspirational leaders who can see the road ahead for a university whose time has come. DeSean will be one of those leaders throughout our institution,” Allen stated.