After a storied 15-year career in the NFL, three-time Pro Bowler DeSean Jackson is on the verge of beginning a new chapter in college football. According to a Thursday report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the 38-year-old wide receiver is finalizing an agreement to become the head coach at Delaware State, an HBCU program competing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
A Return to Campus—Seventeen Years Later
Jackson, originally from California, made a name for himself as a dynamic playmaker for the Golden Bears before embarking on his professional journey.
Now, 17 years after leaving Berkeley, the speedy wideout appears ready to take the reins of a collegiate program for the first time. His NFL career spanned six different teams, with Jackson finally hanging up his cleats in 2023.
The Challenge at Delaware State
Delaware State’s football program, nicknamed the Hornets, has struggled in recent years. The team hasn’t produced a winning season since 2012 and went just 2–10 in 2024.
By bringing Jackson onboard, the school is seeking a transformative leader who can guide the team back to competitive form. The Hornets open their 2025 schedule on August 28 against the University of Delaware, giving Jackson a chance to make an immediate statement in a high-profile in-state rivalry.
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Part of a Larger HBCU Coaching Trend
Jackson’s impending hire marks the latest in a wave of former NFL stars accepting coaching roles at historically Black colleges and universities. Deion Sanders spent three successful seasons at Jackson State before taking the Colorado job, while Eddie George has led Tennessee State since 2021.
Just last week, former NFL quarterback Michael Vick was named head coach at Norfolk State. Each of these appointments has generated excitement, bringing fresh perspectives and high-level connections to HBCU programs across the country.
A Decorated NFL Career
During his time in the league, Jackson solidified himself as one of the most dangerous deep threats of his generation. In addition to his three Pro Bowl selections, he earned a Super Bowl ring while on the Los Angeles Rams’ roster in 2021.
Known for his speed and knack for making electrifying plays, Jackson wrapped up his professional résumé with an extensive highlight reel that spanned stints with teams including the Eagles, Redskins (now Commanders), Buccaneers, and Raiders.
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What Lies Ahead
If the deal is completed as reported, Jackson will soon transition from veteran NFL receiver to first-year collegiate head coach. Delaware State fans will be eager to see if his offensive expertise and leadership can ignite a program that has languished at the bottom of the standings.
Meanwhile, Jackson joins a growing list of high-profile former pros at HBCUs—a move that could elevate both his new school and the broader landscape of HBCU football.
As the Hornets set their sights on the 2025 season, Jackson’s hiring could spark a renewed sense of optimism in Dover and beyond. Facing a daunting rebuilding task, he’ll rely on the confidence, credibility, and vast network he built during his days in the NFL.
Whether he can replicate the success of his pro career remains to be seen, but DeSean Jackson’s arrival at Delaware State signals yet another milestone in the ongoing infusion of NFL talent into college football’s HBCU ranks.
