DeSean Jackson takes shocking turn to college coaching at Delaware State
- DeSean Jackson has been hired as the head coach of Delaware State University following his retirement from the NFL in December 2023.
- This hires part of a larger trend in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference of appointing ex-NFL stars to lead college teams.
- Jackson's hiring aims to revive Delaware State's football program, which struggled last season with only one win.
In late December 2024, DeSean Jackson, a notable former NFL wide receiver, was appointed the head coach of the football program at Delaware State University, a historically black college located in Dover, Delaware. This hire has drawn attention as Jackson joins a trend among HBCU programs that have increasingly turned to former NFL stars for coaching roles, highlighting a growing movement to elevate the profile of collegiate sports at these institutions. Jackson's path to this position follows a 15-season career in the NFL, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he garnered attention for his dynamic playing style. After retiring from professional football in December 2023, he briefly worked as a high school assistant coach in California before transitioning to the collegiate coaching landscape. Delaware State's athletic director, Tony Tucker, expressed confidence in Jackson’s ability to lead the program, stating Jackson is a perfect fit due to his competitive spirit and focus on student success. The recent trends are reflective of a broader strategy by HBCUs to enhance their football programs and attract talent. Just prior to Jackson's hiring, Norfolk State University made headlines by hiring another former star, Michael Vick. These strategic moves illustrate a broader attempt within the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) to leverage the fame and skills of former NFL players in reshaping college programs amid challenges in performance and visibility. Jackson replaces Lee Hull, who was dismissed after a disappointing season where the Hornets recorded just one victory against eleven losses. In his introductory statements, Jackson expressed his excitement and commitment to the university's goals, indicating a strong desire to mentor young athletes while helping them grow both on and off the field. This leadership change occurs in the context of increased interest in HBCU football programs, further bolstered by successful tenures of coaches like Deion Sanders at Jackson State and Eddie George at Tennessee State, signaling a potential positive future for Delaware State under Jackson's guidance.