Delaware State head coach DeSean Jackson made a splash at his new job by getting a transfer commitment from the son of an NFL legend

Historically Black colleges and universities are leveling up with new coaching hires who bring stardom and NFL playing experience to the sidelines. On Friday, former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver and eight-time Pro Bowler DeSean Jackson was hired as the new head coach for the Delaware State Hornets.

Delaware State is about to find out after recently hiring Jackson. Jackson, 38, finished up a 15-year NFL career in 2022, which included two stints with the Eagles from 2008 as their second-round pick through 2013 and again from 2019-20.

Former Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson is reportedly closing in on an agreement to become the next head coach at Delaware State University. Jackson, 38, had an on-campus interview, and the school and ex-NFL wideout are expected to “come together” soon,” ESPN reported Thursday.

But Jackson was unceremoniously released by former Eagles head coach Chip Kelly in the spring of 2014, coming off Jackson's best season in the NFL when he had 82 receptions for 1,332 yards. He was signed right away by Washington, and spent the next three seasons there. Jackson had some of his best games against the Eagles during that time.

DOVER, Del. — Former Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson is taking over the football program at Delaware State. The school announced Jackson’s hire Friday in the latest move by a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference program to hire a former NFL star as its football coach. Norfolk State hired Michael Vick last week.

It’s official: former NFL All-Pro DeSean Jackson will be the head coach of Delaware State’s football program. Jackson had an elite football career, including a 15-year NFL career and becoming an All-American wide receiver at the University of California, Berkeley from 2005 to 2007.

DeSean Jackson landed a talented player from the HBCU national champions in his first official weekend as head coach.

Delaware State officially named former NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson as its head football coach on Dec. 27. He immediately started building a