Former NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson is finalizing an agreement with Delaware State to become its next head coach, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Jackson retired from the NFL in 2023. Thamel provided further details on the developing situation.
“He did an on-campus interview in recent days and the sides are expected to come together in the near future,” Thamel wrote on X. “Per a source, it has always been a dream of Jackson’s to coach at an HBCU. That dream could be a reality in the near future.”
While Jackson lacks coaching experience, he isn’t a complete stranger to coaching. He was the offensive coordinator at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California, this fall.
Of course, Jackson has a surplus of experience on the football field outside of the coaching department. Jackson spent 15 seasons in the NFL, amassing 641 receptions for 11,263 receiving yards and 58 touchdowns.
He also tallied 72 carries in his career for 463 yards and four additional scores. Last but not least, Jackson was an elite return man, returning four punts for TDs throughout his career.
For his efforts, Jackson was selected to the Pro Bowl three times and was a Second-Team All-Pro in 2009. Jackson played college football at California, where he was a two-time All-American. Now, Jackson is ready to return to the collegiate ranks; this time, in a new role.
Jackson will replace Lee Hull as Delaware State’s head coach. Hull led the program for two seasons. In his two years at the helm, Delaware State posted a 2-21 overall record and a poor 0-10 mark in conference play.