Report: Desean Jackson finalizing agreement to become next Delaware State head coach

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.

Jackson will look to turn Delaware State’s luck around, using his vast experience to his advantage. Johnson isn’t the only NFL legend who is making a return to the collegiate ranks. Earlier this week, Norfolk State announced Michael Vick will be its next head coach.

Moreover, North Carolina named legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick its next headman two weeks ago. In fairness, coaches such as Deion Sanders have proven that NFL success can translate to the college game.

After getting his bearings together in Year 1 at Colorado, Sanders took the Big 12 by storm this season, leading Colorado to a 9-3 record in the regular season. The Buffaloes were in contention to appear in the College Football Playoff until their loss to Kansas in Week 13.

DeSean Jackson is only the latest NFL legend to try his hand at the collegiate coaching game. Only time will tell how Jackson’s professional experience will translate at Delaware State.