Delaware State University is reportedly on the cusp of hiring DeSean Jackson, a celebrated wide receiver in Philadelphia Eagles history, as their next head football coach. The announcement came from ESPN, which revealed that Jackson recently participated in an on-campus interview and that an agreement could be reached shortly.
Despite not having any prior head coaching experience, Jackson boasts an impressive playing career. He was with the Eagles from 2008 to 2013 and returned for a brief stint from 2019 to 2020. Over his time with the Eagles, he accumulated 6,897 receiving yards, ranking him eighth in the franchise’s history, and recorded 379 receptions, placing him sixth.
Jackson’s career was notable for being abruptly cut short by former Eagles coach Chip Kelly in 2014, following a standout season where he caught 82 passes for 1,332 yards. He went on to have a successful run with the Washington Football Team, achieving over 1,000 receiving yards in two of his three seasons there, and also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, Las Vegas Raiders, and Baltimore Ravens. His last professional season was in 2022.
Most recently, Jackson served as the wide receivers coach and punt return specialist at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California. This coaching role marks his entry into the coaching world, showcasing his commitment to nurturing young talent.
Delaware State’s decision to seek new leadership for their football program follows the dismissal of Lee Hull on December 3, after a challenging two-season record of 2-21 and an 0-10 conference performance. The university is also seeing changes in its athletic department, with Tony Tucker taking over as athletic director.
If Jackson’s appointment is finalized, he will join his former Eagles teammate Michael Vick, who was recently appointed head coach at Norfolk State University, marking an encouraging trend of former players stepping into coaching roles in collegiate football.
This potential hiring reflects a growing trend of former NFL players transitioning into coaching positions at various levels, bringing their extensive knowledge and experience of the game to new generations of athletes. It offers a hopeful perspective for Delaware State, as they aim to revitalize their football program.