Delaware State coach DeSean Jackson signs new deal

Field Level Media|published: Tue 23rd December, 13:43 2025

Delaware State head coach DeSean Jackson stands with his team as the Approaching Storm plays at the conclusion of the Hornets’ 28-17 loss to South Carolina State at Alumni Stadium, Nov. 22, 2025.

Delaware State football coach DeSean Jackson has signed a new deal through 2028, the school announced on Tuesday.

The former NFL star wide receiver guided the Hornets to an 8-4 record in his first season -- more wins than they had in the previous three seasons combined (7-27 record). It was the program's first winning season since 2012.

Jackson, 39, led Delaware State to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship game, losing 28-17 to South Carolina State on Nov. 22 in Dover, Del.

"Just two days before Christmas last year, I began the next phase of my professional career, as a first-time head coach, in a community I did not know, with players I did not recruit," Jackson said in a news release. "It was not easy, but it was important. Giving my whole self to these young men and representing one of the best Historically Black Colleges in the country has been a high honor and one I do not intend to take for granted.

"We have some unfinished business to take care of on the field, and I am proud to be a part of the athletic transformation taking place at the school."

Jackson's Hornets averaged 32.25 points per game and led the FCS in rushing this season with 291.2 yards per game.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Jackson played 183 games over 15 seasons in the NFL from 2008-22, including eight seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles (2008-13, 2019-20). He retired with 641 catches for 11,263 yards and 58 touchdowns.

--Field Level Media

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