Former Eagles WR DeSean Jackson catches first coaching job — as head coach at DSU

DOVER — Delaware State University’s Athletic Transformation project, which was launched two years ago with a $1 million gift from alum Steve Ewing ’83 and $9 million from the State, has taken a huge step forward with the hiring of former NFL All-Pro wide receiver (and Eagles legend) DeSean Jackson as head football coach.

Three-time Pro Bowler Jackson played 15 seasons for six NFL teams, including three markets — Philadelphia, Washington, and Baltimore — likely to be prime targets for his recruiting efforts.  Jackson’s career started as a big-play receiver for the Eagles, and his football resume includes the NFL record for most 60+- and 80+-yard catches. Jackson also played for the LA Rams, the now-Las Vegas Raiders, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

It’s a significant first accomplishment for new DSU Athletic Director and Delaware native Charles “Tony” Tucker. DSU announced on Dec. 3 that Tucker was adding to his current responsibilities as senior associate vice president for athletics and wellness, and football Head Coach Lee Hull, who went 2-21 during his two years at the university, was being relieved of his duties.

“DeShawn blew everyone away with his incredible enthusiasm,” Tucker told Delaware Live. “There’s a joyful aura around him when you’re in the same room. His brand and stature will go over well with the athletes, University community, and recruits.

Tucker said Jackson’s lack of coaching experience didn’t “set off alarms” and that he expects him to bring in a coaching staff of people with NFL coaching and playing experience and Power 5 conference coaching experience.

“DeSean Jackson is a perfect fit for our institution – incredibly competitive, optimistic about the prospects for our collective future, and focused on the fundamentals of the institution: STUDENTS FIRST,”  said Tucker, who grew up in Delaware and was an All-American basketball player for the old Wilmington High School (now Charter School of Wilmington inside the Cab Calloway School of the Arts.

Jackson retired in 2022 and played for the Eagles from 2008-13 and again from 2019-20. He ranks eighth in Eagles history with 6,897 receiving yards and sixth in reception with 379.

DeSean Jackson hire will raise DSU profile

“HBCUs have much to be proud of in creating a more representative America,” Jackson said in a prepared statement. “But that story is not simply a historical one. It continues to be written and includes the elevation of HBCU scholars and scholar-athletes in every field of human endeavor.

“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 continued. “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 fact that this will be Jackson’s first coaching job does not diminish his former Eagles coach (and current Kansas City Chiefs coach) Andy Reid from being very optimistic about his former player’s success.

“DeSean is like a son to me – a fierce competitor on the field, without rival, and a quality leader off of it,” said Reid. “I could not be more supportive of his desire to coach Division I football and would stake my career on his success at Delaware State University. We are bound at the hip and are forever family. I cannot wait to see where he takes the University and where the University takes him.  This is a win-win for everyone, particularly the young men who get to learn from him and the incredible staff he will assemble – many football aficionados who have been with him since the very beginning.”

The high-profile hire comes with DSU ranking in the top 5 public HBCUs and top 10 overall, under the leadership of President and Former Provost Tony Allen. It is also the top choice for students of color in Delaware. More than 70% of incoming, in-state first-year students are recipients of the state-sponsored Inspire scholarship, awarded to any Delaware graduating high-school senior with a 2.75 GPA.

DSU applicants and recruits likely grew up as Jackson fans, particularly during his time at or near the top in NFL jersey sales. His hiring comes within a few days of former teammate Michael Vick being named head coach at fellow MEAC school, Norfolk State.

The Athletic Transformation project is expected to cost more than $25 million, with the centerpiece being an indoor training facility for all DSU scholar-athletes and key changes to Alumni Stadium. The initial donation came from Ewing, the keynote speaker at DSU’s December 2017 commencement. He is the retired president and CEO of Smyrna, GA-based Wade Ford, one of the nation’s largest African-American Ford dealerships.

Tucker said DSU averaged around 50% attendance last season, but it’s already receiving season-ticket calls for next season.

“I think there’s going to be a lot more excitement, with a fast-paced offense and a defense with a rugged, hard-nosed, gritty attitude,” Tucker said.

Jackson grew up in the Crenshaw neighborhood of South Los Angeles and will be the subject of a documentary scheduled to be released this fall on Amazon Prime.

“We no longer dream big dreams,” said University President Allen. “We are in execution mode, which means having the right vision, the right talent, and a set of inspirational leaders who can see the road ahead for a university whose time has come. DeSean will be one of those leaders throughout our institution.”