Donte’ Jackson has won everywhere he’s coached during his 15 seasons in charge of various college programs, and he is ready to do the same with Alabama A&M, where he was introduced as the new men’s basketball coach Thursday afternoon.
“I’m a program builder; it’s time to turn this program into one of the best in the SWAC, the state, the region, the nation,” Jackson said at his introductory press conference. “It’s time to build a program that will compete for championships every single year. As a famous rapper once said, ‘If you don’t believe me, just watch.'”
Its Official!!!
Welcome @CoachTaeJack #BeADawg25 pic.twitter.com/cuxfskhke6
— Alabama A&M Athletics (@_AAMUAthletics) April 3, 2025
Jackson comes to AAMU from Grambling, where he led to the Tigers to several milestones, including their first 20-win season since 1980 during the 2022-23 campaign and their first NCAA tournament appearance in 2024. The Tigers defeated Utah State 88-81 in the First Four for the program’s first ever D-1 tournament win.
“My wife and myself needed a change of scenery. After a lot of deep, thoughtful discussions, tough conversations, we decided to hit the reset button,” he said. “We needed the opportunity to refocus for our purpose, refocus to build a brand new program into a championship contender. And we just needed to change the scenery.”
Prior to Grambling, Jackson coached at Stillman for three seasons, where he led the Tigers to an NCAA Division II second-round appearance in 2016, and his alma mater Central State. His career record across all divisions is 263-185.
“This process was a focused, national search,” Bulldogs athletic director Paul Bryant said, who hired also hired Jackson at Stillman and Grambling. “We had to make sure that we got the best candidate that fit Alabama A&M University; I think we did.”
Jackson credited Bryant for his growth as a coach and as a person over the years.
“Dr. Bryant has been a pivotal person in my life as far as my development as a person, as a man, as a coach, as a mentor,” he said. “We all need that one person that believes in you, gives you a chance to show your talents and show what you can do. He’s been that person for me.”
“We’ve been watching him for many years. He did a great job at Stillman, and he did a great job at Grambling,” AAMU president Daniel K. Wims said. “He has the opportunity to take us to another level.”
