Former Eagles Star Officially Lands Surprise Head Coaching Job
By Jovan Alford
Former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson hasn’t played in an NFL regular season game since the 2022 season with the Baltimore Ravens. Jackson officially retired from the NFL last November as a member of the Eagles after dazzling fans for 15 years with highlight plays.
Jackson’s eight-year tenure in Philadelphia was special, scoring 35 receiving TDs (ninth all-time in franchise history).
However, the former Eagles star wide receiver is shockingly returning to the gridiron. But this time it's not as a player but as a college football head coach.
On Friday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Delaware State has finalized a deal to make Jackson their next head coach.
It’s official. Delaware State has finalized a deal to make Desean Jackson the school’s next head coach. An announcement is coming shortly, and the deal is done. https://t.co/aR45Ds6xv1
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 27, 2024
On Thursday, Jeff Lightsy of Victory Formation Media reported that Jackson would become the next head coach at Delaware St. The 38-year-old Jackson is replacing Lee Hull, who led the Hornets for the last two seasons.
Just got a second source. Former #NFL Pro Bowler Desean Jackson will become the next Head Coach at Delaware State. S/O to @OffScript_Vidz with the help. https://t.co/xCVgD7c9Ir pic.twitter.com/c2QilQHVB8
— Jeff Lightsy Jr. (@jlightsy7) December 26, 2024
Jackson is joining his former teammate and quarterback Michael Vick, who was recently named the head coach at Norfolk State.
Delaware State and Norfolk State play in the MEAC, which means Eagles fans will see these two Eagles legends face off against each other.
Thamel also reports that Jackson’s dream has always been to coach at an HBCU (historically Black college or university), and the former Eagles star is looking forward to this opportunity to help Del State.
"The opportunity for me to help write another chapter here at DSU is a once-in-a-lifetime moment consistent with my journey as a young boy finding his way to manhood through mentorship, accountability, achievement, and discipline, Jackson said in a statement (h/t ESPN). If we build that kind of culture at Delaware State University, we will attract the right talent and radically change the trajectory of this program. I cannot wait to get started."
The 38-year-old Jackson will look to lead the Hornets to their first winning season since 2012 where they went 6-5. However, it won’t be easy after finishing this season with a 1-11 record.
That said, we’ve seen former NFL players be successful head coaches at the HBCU level recently, specifically Deion Sanders at Jackson State and Eddie George at Tennessee State. The former Eagles legend will be formally introduced as Del State’s head coach on Jan. 8.
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