Tag: Delaware State

Jan 2, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeSean Jackson (1) in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Delaware State names DeSean Jackson next head coach

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Longtime NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson is the new head coach at Delaware State, the school announced Friday.

It is the first coaching job for Jackson, 38.

“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,” athletic director Tony Tucker said in a statement.

Jackson’s hiring comes just 10 days after his former Philadelphia Eagles teammate, Michael Vick, was named head coach at Norfolk State. Both teams play in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

In a statement Friday, Jackson said his priority is to create a new “culture” at Delaware 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. “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 Hornets finished 1-11 in 2024 (0-5 MEAC) and fired coach Lee Hull after the season. The program has not had a winning season since going 6-5 in 2012.

Jackson last played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. He is best known for two stints with the Eagles (2008-13, 2019-20) and played for a total of six teams in a 15-year NFL career that featured three Pro Bowl selections. Jackson caught 641 passes for 11,263 yards and 58 touchdowns, adding four rushing touchdowns and four punt return touchdowns in 183 career games.

He played his college football at Cal.

–Field Level Media

Jan 2, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeSean Jackson (1) in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Reports: Delaware State hires DeSean Jackson as head coach

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Longtime NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson will take over as head coach at Delaware State, Victory Formation Media and ESPN reported Thursday.

If confirmed, it would be the latest data point in a growing trend of FCS football teams hiring well-known former players — with little to no prior coaching experience — in an effort to stand out.

Jackson, 38, has no connection to Delaware State but according to ESPN, “it has always been a dream” of his to coach at an HBCU (historically black colleges and universities).

Earlier this month, Norfolk State hired Michael Vick to take over the Spartans’ program. Vick, who also reportedly heard from Sacramento State, hails from the Norfolk, Va., area. Norfolk State is one of Delaware State’s rivals in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

Colorado coach Deion Sanders spent three seasons (2020-22) as the head coach of Jackson State before moving up to the FBS level. His only prior coaching experience came at the high school level, including at his own short-lived charter school in Texas, “Prime Prep Academy.”

Jackson last played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. He is best known for two stints with the Philadelphia Eagles (2008-13, 2019-20) and played for a total of six teams in a 15-year NFL career. Jackson caught 641 passes for 11,263 yards and 58 touchdowns, adding four rushing touchdowns and four punt return touchdowns in 183 career games.

Delaware State went 1-11 in 2024 (0-5 MEAC) and fired coach Lee Hull after the season. The Hornets have not had a winning season since going 6-5 in 2012.

–Field Level Media

Nov 27, 2021; Laramie, Wyoming, USA; A general view of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football helmet during a game against the Wyoming Cowboys at Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports

Delaware State scrambles after missed flight to Hawaii

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Delaware State football’s long trip to face Hawaii in the team’s season opener just got longer.

The Star-Advertiser in Honolulu reported Tuesday that the Hornets missed their scheduled 10.5-hour flight to the city because of what was termed “a bus snafu” as the team attempted to reach John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. A spokeswoman for Delaware State told the outlet that officials were “working on a plan” to get the team to Hawaii.

The game is scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m. local time. The Rainbow Warriors haven’t played an HBCU team since they met Prairie View A&M in 1979, and it will be their first-ever meeting against Delaware State.

Hawaii has a 20-game winning streak against FCS teams dating back to 2011, with an average win margin of 25.9 points per game.

Hawaii finished the 2023 season with a 5-8 record (3-5 Mountain West Conference). Delaware State was 1-10 (0-5 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference).

–Field Level Media