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Texas officially announces Chris Jackson as wide receivers coach

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•01/24/23•

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MANHATTAN, KS - NOVEMBER 05: A view of a Texas Longhorns helmet during a Big 12 college football game between the Texas Longhorns and Kansas State Wildcats on November 5, 2022 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, KS. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

For the third time in three seasons, Texas has hired a new wide receivers coach under Steve Sarkisian. Chris Jackson was officially announced to the position on Tuesday night, where he will also serve as the passing game coordinator. Jackson is replacing Brennan Marion, who left Austin in favor of Las Vegas to serve as UNLV‘s offensive coordinator.

Jackson comes from an NFL coaching background, most recently working with the Jacksonville Jaguars as their wide receivers coach. He helped them win the AFC South and make a run to the AFC Divisional Round, where Christian Kirk was a 1,000-yard receiver this past season.

Prior to Jacksonville, Jackson got his start in Chicago, working as a defensive analyst and assistant wide receivers coach with the Bears. The move to the college game was a simple one according to the new hire, citing wanting to help players grow.

“My major thought in this move was originally just young men,” Jackson said in a statement. “The excitement and opportunity to coach at the college level at a school with the notoriety that Texas has is a great opportunity. Working with young men coming in from 17 to 18 years old to leaving at 22 and providing a platform for them and allowing them to grow, not only as football players but as young men, that’s what I was drawn to, as well.

“I’ve always been passionate about that, and I’ve been able to do that at NFL level, but there’s something that’s super intriguing about those young men, ones I can hopefully inspire and lead through the position I just left.

“Some of them will want to pursue a professional career and just need some of that guidance and leadership to get there, and I’ve seen that not only as a player, but as a coach now. That’s the work for me – young men and development.”

Chris Jackson walking into solid Texas wide receiver room

Jackson will be walking into a wide receiver room with some talent, both returning and incoming. Xavier Worthy is the most well-known name, breaking out as a true freshman during the 2021 season. Jordan Whittington is a big return for Texas as well, bringing a reliable pass catcher back to the program.

Before Jackson was hired, AD Mitchell transferred in from Georgia, adding one of the nation’s top receivers. 2023 On3 Consensus five-star Johntay Cook and four-star Ryan Niblett will both be true freshmen this season as well.

There will be plenty to work with for Jackson, as he will have an immediate opportunity to impact the Texas wide receiver room.