Delaware State names DeSean Jackson next head coach

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Longtime NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson is the new head coach at Delaware State, the school announced Friday.

It is the first coaching job for Jackson, 38.

“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,” athletic director Tony Tucker said in a statement.

Jackson’s hiring comes just 10 days after his former Philadelphia Eagles teammate, Michael Vick, was named head coach at Norfolk State. Both teams play in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

In a statement Friday, Jackson said his priority is to create a new “culture” at Delaware State.

“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 said. “If we build that kind of culture at Delaware State University, we will attract the right talent and radically change the trajectory of this program. I cannot wait to get started.”

The Hornets finished 1-11 in 2024 (0-5 MEAC) and fired coach Lee Hull after the season. The program has not had a winning season since going 6-5 in 2012.

Jackson last played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. He is best known for two stints with the Eagles (2008-13, 2019-20) and played for a total of six teams in a 15-year NFL career that featured three Pro Bowl selections. Jackson caught 641 passes for 11,263 yards and 58 touchdowns, adding four rushing touchdowns and four punt return touchdowns in 183 career games.

He played his college football at Cal.

–Field Level Media