Kyle Jackson, a Bowie State University alumnus who has spent five previous seasons with BSU football, is entering his sixth in a new position. Learn more in the BSU Athletics release below.
Bowie State head coach Damon Wilson has announced that Kyle Jacksonhas been promoted to Defensive Coordinator after spending the past five seasons as the recruiting coordinator and coaching the linebackers for the Bulldogs.
“It was an honor to promote Coach Jackson as our defensive coordinator,” Wilson said. “Coach Jackson is a person that I had the opportunity to coach and watch him develop over the years. He has worked at multiple universities combined with his body of work at Bowie State he is the perfect person for the job. Coach Jackson ensures to put the players first and in the best position to be successful. I look forward to him leading the charge and upholding the standard.”
Now entering his sixth season in his second stint with Bowie State, Jackson was elevated to DC previously held by Antone’ Sewell who accepted a defensive coordinator position at Alabama State on March 1, 2022.
“It is an honor to be named Defensive Coordinator at a Nationally Ranked DII football program and not just any program, my alma mater,” Jackson said. “A place that gave me an opportunity and helped me grow into the man I am today.”
Since returning to Bowie State, Jackson has played an instrumental role in the success of the program. The Bulldogs finished the regular season ranked in the Top-25 within the last four seasons, advancing to the CIAA Conference Championship also in the last three seasons (2018, 2019, 2021) and winning in all three appearances. The Bulldogs have also advanced to the NCAA DII Playoffs the last four seasons (2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021).
Most recently, the Bulldogs made program history, securing its third-consecutive CIAA Conference Title, while advancing to the NCAA DII Playoffs for the fourth-straight season in 2021. The Bulldogs also advanced to the DII football quarterfinals, which is the furthest in program history. Finishing the season with a 12-2 overall mark, the Bulldogs broke the record for most wins in a single season. Jackson helped coached another strong defensive unit which finished in the top-10 nationally in multiple categories including: Defensive TDs (1st), Tackles for Loss (1st), Turnovers Gained (2nd), Third Down Defense (2nd), Fumbles Recovered (2nd), Sacks (3rd), Red Zone Defense (4th), Fourth Down Defense (6th), Pass Efficiency Defense (7th), Total Defense (9th), Scoring Defense (11th). Additionally, inside linebacker Wesley Bowers was named to the Super Region II Defensive First Team and selected to participate in the Inaugural HBCU Legacy Bowl.
In 2019, the Bulldogs finished the regular season undefeated (10-0) and were crowned CIAA Champions for the second-consecutive season. The Bulldogs finished the year with an 11-2 record and ranked in the Top-25 for the third-consecutive season. Jackson helped coach a defensive unit that finished in the top-10 nationally in multiple categories including: Interceptions (2nd), Tackles for Loss (2nd), Third Down Defense (4th), Defensive TDs (5th), Red Zone Defense (4th), Sacks (6th), Scoring Defense (7th) and Pass Efficiency Defense (9th). Outside linebacker, Jordan Carter was named to the All-CIAA Rookie Team.
In 2018, Jackson helped lead the program to its first 10-win season, first CIAA championship and its first NCAA playoff win in program history. The Bulldogs defense finished second in the CIAA for passing defense and led the conference in sacks. Inside linebacker, Daryll Ellison was named All-CIAA Honorable Mention.
The Bulldogs finished 9-2 overall and advanced to the NCAA Playoffs for the second time in school history in 2017. BSU’s defense finished No. 1 in the country in pass efficiency defense and ranked atop in the CIAA for scoring defense. Inside linebacker, Kyle Jacksonwas named All-CIAA Honorable Mention.
“I want to say thank you to Coach Damon Wilson for giving me the opportunity and Coach Antone Sewell for laying the foundation. I am excited to lead this defense and continue the strong traditions that were built long before me!”
Prior to his return to Bowie State, Jackson spent the 2015 season at Division II Emporia State University as a Defensive Graduate Assistant. Jackson worked specifically with the defensive ends. He helped coach a defensive unit who increased their sack total from 18 in 2014 to 41.5 in 2015. The Hornets finished #7 in the nation after losing in the Quarterfinals of the Division II NCAA Playoffs.
Prior to Emporia State, Jackson spent the 2014 season as an assistant to the Director of Football Operations at Georgia State University (FBS) in Atlanta, Ga. While at GSU, Kyle gained a lot of knowledge of the game both on-and-off the field working closely with the recruiting coordinator and coaching staff.
Jackson was a four-year starter (2007-2010) at the linebacker position for the Bulldogs. His strong leadership and knowledge of the game helped him be named team captain in both 2009 and 2010 seasons. Jackson was an influential leader on the 2009 defense that finished ranked No. 1 in the nation in total defense.
A native of Baltimore, Md., Jackson received his Bachelors of Science in Sport Management from Bowie State University. Jackson is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State University Athletics and its 13 varsity sports teams, please visit www.bsubulldogs.com.
