Ex-NFL Star DeSean Jackson to Take Head Coaching Job at HBCU Delaware State

The longtime wide receiver is reportedly heading back to campus.

DeSean Jackson during the Raiders' 23–20 win over the Colts on Jan. 2, 2022. / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Seventeen years after leaving California, longtime NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson appears to be going back to school.

Jackson is finalizing a deal to become the head coach of Delaware State's football program, according to a Thursday afternoon report from Pete Thamel of ESPN. The 38-year-old played 15 years in the NFL, ending his career in 2023 after spending time with six different teams.

The Hornets—an HBCU program in the MEAC—have not had a winning season since 2012, and went 2–10 in 2024.

Jackson's hire is the latest in a trend of former NFL players taking HBCU jobs. Colorado coach Deion Sanders spent three years at Jackson State, Eddie George has led Tennessee State since 2021, and Michael Vick was hired as Norfolk State's coach on Friday.

Desean Jackson and Delaware State are finalizing an agreement for him to take the head coaching job there, per ESPN sources. He did an on-campus interview in recent days and the sides are expected to come together in the near future. pic.twitter.com/KXO0AvGVbL

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 26, 2024

Over the course of his NFL career, Jackson reached three Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl ring for his stint with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.

Delaware State is scheduled to open its 2025 season on Aug. 28 against Delaware.

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