Deion Sanders set the example for former NFL stars transitioning into coaching roles, and DeSean Jackson is among those following his lead. The three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver accepted the head coaching position at Delaware State, an HBCU, just a week after Norfolk State hired Michael Vick under similar circumstances.

Jackson believes his coaching opportunity may not have surfaced without the success Sanders had during his brief tenure at Jackson State. Sanders revitalized the program rapidly, attracting top talent like Travis Hunter and developing his son, Shedeur Sanders, into a standout quarterback.

“Coach Prime, man, I can’t stress enough about how he’s opened doors up for guys like myself,” said Jackson. “Just being able to learn from guys like him that’s been at an HBCU when he was at Jackson State, now he’s at Colorado, it’s a stepping stone for me.”

A little more than two years removed from his last NFL game, Jackson had no college football coaching experience prior to this role but worked as a high school offensive coordinator last season. He stated, “I wanted to come here. They only won two games in the past two years. So I’m coming into a situation where I can’t do no worse. I’m gonna bet on myself.”

The challenge he faces at Delaware State closely mirrors that of Sanders at Jackson State. The Hornets haven’t had a winning season since 2012 and won just one game in each of the last two years. Jackson, who excelled at the California Golden Bears from 2005 to 2007, has a notable football background that includes a Super Bowl title and three Pro Bowl selections.