Historically Black colleges and universities are leveling up with new coaching hires who bring stardom and NFL playing experience to the sidelines. On Friday, former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver and eight-time Pro Bowler DeSean Jackson was hired as the new head coach for the Delaware State Hornets.

But Jackson was unceremoniously released by former Eagles head coach Chip Kelly in the spring of 2014, coming off Jackson's best season in the NFL when he had 82 receptions for 1,332 yards. He was signed right away by Washington, and spent the next three seasons there. Jackson had some of his best games against the Eagles during that time.

Jackson joins a growing list of coaches asked to lead a college program without prior experience at that level