DeSean Jackson gets first head coaching job at Delaware State

Former Philadelphia Eagles broad receiver DeSean Jackson has been employed as the brand new soccer coach at Delaware State, the college introduced Friday.

“The chance for me to assist write one other chapter right here at DSU is a once-in-a-lifetime second in line with my journey as a younger boy discovering his option to manhood via mentorship, accountability, achievement, and self-discipline,” Jackson mentioned in an announcement. “If we construct that form of tradition at Delaware State College, we’ll appeal to the best expertise and seriously change the trajectory of this program. I can not wait to get began.”

Jackson is the second former NFL star to be employed at a MEAC college this month, becoming a member of Michael Vick at Norfolk State.

A supply instructed ESPN’s Pete Thamel that it had at all times been a dream of Jackson’s to teach at a traditionally Black school or college. Jackson referenced that significance in his assertion, saying the story of HBCUs “continues to be written and contains the elevation of HBCU students and scholar athletes in each area of human endeavor.”

Jackson and Vick be part of a rising listing of former NFL standouts who’ve taken over HBCU packages in recent times. Deion Sanders had success at Jackson State earlier than heading to Colorado, and Eddie George guided Tennessee State to the FCS playoffs this yr.

Jackson will likely be launched in a information convention Jan. 8. He’s the primary rent by athletic director Tony Tucker, who took over the function earlier this month.

“DeSean Jackson is an ideal match for our establishment — extremely aggressive, optimistic concerning the prospects for our collective future, and centered on the basics of the establishment: STUDENTS FIRST,” Tucker mentioned in an announcement.

Jackson, 38, replaces Lee Hull, who was dismissed earlier this month after two disappointing seasons, together with a 1-11 exhibiting this yr.

The Hornets haven’t had a successful season since going 6-5 in 2012.

Jackson, who retired as a member of the Eagles after the 2023 season, made the Professional Bowl in three of his eight seasons with the group. He turned the primary participant in NFL historical past to earn Professional Bowl honors at two positions — kick returner and broad receiver. He performed 15 seasons total and had stints with the Los Angeles Rams, Washington, Tampa Bay, Baltimore and Las Vegas, however he’s greatest recognized for the six-year run in Philadelphia initially of his professional profession.

Jackson’s former coaches Andy Reid and Sean McVay have been amongst these praising his hiring, with Reid saying he would “stake my profession on his success at Delaware State.”

In 95 profession video games with the Eagles, Jackson ranks third all time in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379) and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35). As a punt returner, he completed second in punt returns (132), third in punt return yards (1,296) and is tied for the group’s all-time lead in punt return touchdowns with 4.

Info from The Related Press was used on this report.