Former NFL star wide receiver DeSean Jackson is reportedly close to securing a deal to become the new head coach of Delaware State University’s football team, according to multiple sources. The news, first broken by radio personality Jeff Lightsy Jr. and later confirmed by Abreon Scott of Off Script, has generated significant buzz in the sports world.
According to ESPN's Peter Thamel, Jackson is finalizing an agreement with Delaware State after recently conducting an on-campus interview. Sources indicate that both parties are expected to finalize the terms of the contract in the coming days, paving the way for Jackson to take over as head coach of the Hornets, who compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
Adding to the excitement, HBCU Legends has confirmed that Delaware State has reached out to a former SWAC head coach to join Jackson’s staff as the team’s new offensive coordinator.
Jackson, who retired from the NFL in 2023, has already started his coaching career. In the wake of his retirement, Jackson took on a coaching role at his alma mater, Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California. He served as an assistant coach for the Bruins’ wide receivers and punt return specialists, leading the team to a 9-5 record during the 2024 season.
A standout player, Jackson was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round (49th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft following a successful career at the University of California, Berkeley. Over his 14-year NFL career, Jackson played in 183 games, recording 641 receptions, 11,263 receiving yards, and 58 touchdowns. He was also a dynamic return specialist, accumulating over 1,300 return yards and scoring four touchdowns on punt and kick returns.
Following his retirement, Jackson signed a one-day contract with the Eagles on November 29, 2023, officially bringing an end to his illustrious NFL career. He now resides in Moorestown, New Jersey.
The hiring of Jackson marks a significant shift for Delaware State’s athletic program, which has been undergoing a transformation after the dismissal of former head football coach Lee Hull and athletic director Dr. Alecia Shields-Gadson. Charles A. "Tony" Tucker, formerly the senior associate vice president for athletics, has taken over the department's leadership.
Under Hull’s leadership, the Hornets struggled in the 2024 season, finishing with a 1-11 overall record and 0-5 in the MEAC. The hope is that Jackson’s leadership will guide the Hornets back to success.
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