Former NFL players and HBCUs seem to be a perfect match.

Former wide receiver DeSean Jackson has been hired as the new football coach at Delaware State, the school announced Friday.

“DeSean Jackson is a perfect fit for our institution – he is 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.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Jackson was known for his explosive big-play ability during his 15 NFL seasons.

His best years were spent with the team that drafted him, the Philadelphia Eagles, where he caught 379 passes for 6,512 yards and 35 touchdowns. Jackson was a speedster with an official 4.35-second 40-yard dash and also an electric punt returner.

He is the latest former NFL star to land a job at an HBCU, joining Colorado coach Deion Sanders, who started at Jackson State, Eddie George at Tennessee State and Michael Vick at Norfolk State.

Jackson is a Los Angeles native who played at Cal, but the school said his time in the NFL in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington is significant because all areas represent DSU’s primary recruiting focus.

Jackson has no head coaching experience but most recently served as offensive coordinator at Woodrow Wilson High School in Orange County. He emphasized the rich tradition of HBCU student-athletes.

“HBCUs have much to be proud of in creating a more representative America. But this story is not just historical. It continues to be written and includes supporting HBCU scholars and academic athletes in all areas of human endeavor,” Jackson said.

“The opportunity for me to help write another chapter here at DSU is a once-in-a-lifetime moment that aligns with my journey as a young boy who found his way to manhood through mentorship, responsibility, achievement and discipline. If we build a culture like this at Delaware State University, we will attract the right talent and radically transform the trajectory of this program. I can’t wait to get started.”

Kansas City coach Andy Reid called Jackson “like a son” in a school news release and noted that he was “a fierce competitor on the field, with no rivals and a quality leader off it.”

Rams coach Sean McVay, whom Jackson helped win a Super Bowl in 2021, also spoke out.

“I could talk about this guy all day, but in short, you have a leader of men with strong character, a knowledge of the game and an authentic passion that will attract new fans to Delaware State University football,” he said.

DSI is hoping a high-profile recruit like Jackson will help revitalize its struggling program. The Hornets, who play in the MEAC, have not had a winning season since 2012 and posted a 2-10 record in 2024.

DSU received a $1 million donation from former athlete Steve Ewing and $9 million from the state of Delaware to create an indoor training facility for all athletes and to upgrade Alumni Stadium.

“We don’t dream big dreams anymore. We are in execution mode, which means we have the right vision, the right talent and a group of inspiring leaders who can see the path of a university whose time has come,” said DSU President Tony Allen.

“DeSean will be one of those leaders throughout our institution.”

Delaware State is scheduled to open its 2025 season against in-state rival Delaware State on Aug. 28.