Delaware State University was the latest HBCU athletics program to hire a former NFL star to lead its football team when the school sought out former Pro Bowl receiver DeSean Jackson.
That was all according to plan.
A source with knowledge of the DSU search told HBCU Sports that several big-name former NFL players, most notably Jackson, Pro Football Hall of Famer Cris Carter, and former NFL receiver (and successful Tampa-area high school coach) Mike Williams, were interviewed for the position.
The source also said that the Delaware State committee expressed an interest in Virginia Union head coach Dr. Alvin Parker, “but we decided we wanted a big name.”
Carter interviewed for the position earlier this week but couldn’t commit to a move from his Atlanta-area home to Delaware.
Jackson expressed his desire to coach at an HBCU and impressed university president Dr. Tony Allen in his interview, the source said.
“HBCUs have much to be proud of in creating a more representative America. 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,” Jackson said in the announcement of his hiring.
“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,” he 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.”
Jackson has received support from his first NFL head coach, Andy Reid, L.A. Rams head coach Sean McVay, and Delaware State legend John Taylor, Jackson’s uncle.
