Ellington

It didn't take long, but Jackson State University named a new head football coach today.

Harold Jackson—who played college ball for the Tigers before going on to play and coach in the NFL—takes over for Rick Comegy as head coach.

Through a release, Jackson said he would "put the excitement and product" on the playing field.

“Our players will have discipline in the classroom and on the competition level. Our football players will be developed as good citizens," Jackson said today.

Jackson commended Comegy, whose contract was not renewed in December and is rumored to be the frontrunner for Mississippi Valley State University's head coaching job, but promised to take JSU's program to the next level.

A native of Hattiesburg, Jackson's professional career spanned 16 years and included stops with the Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks.

Jackson was also an assistant coach for the Patriots as well as for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. He has also held several college coaching appointments, mostly recently at Baylor University.

JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers pointed to Coach Jackson's experience and commitment to player development as the top reasons for his hiring.

“Indeed, this is going to be a wonderful season for Jackson State University,” Meyers said.