Bowie State University Elevates Defensive Coordinator Kyle Jackson to Head Football Coach

Appointment Follows Departure of Coach Damon Wilson

 

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311

(BOWIE, Md.) – Kyle Jackson, defensive coordinator of the Bowie State University football team, was named interim head coach today replacing Damon Wilson who will become the new head coach at Morgan State University. Jackson, a Bowie State alum, brings several years of experience to the head coaching job and familiarity with BSU’s football program as it has become a Division II powerhouse.

Jackson, a Baltimore native, was a four year starter at linebacker for Coach Wilson and the Bulldogs from 2007 – 2010 and a team captain for the 2009 and 2010 seasons. After graduating from Bowie State with a degree in sports management, Jackson worked as a defensive graduate assistant at Emporia State and as assistant to the Director of Football Operations at Georgia State. He served a stint at BSU, as the linebackers and tight ends coach from 2011-2013. He returned to BSU in 2017 serving as a linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator and played an integral role in the Bulldogs advancing to the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021. He helped lead defensive units that ranked in the top 10 nationally in several categories in 2019 and 2021, with strong defensive showings in 2017 and 2018.

“I enthusiastically support the appointment of Coach Jackson as my successor. Under his leadership, Bowie State University Football will continue to soar,” said Wilson. “I’ve had the opportunity to coach and develop him as a key member of my staff over the years. We have been able to build a solid coaching family at BSU, one that has the ability to lead young men, and I look forward to Coach Jackson building on the foundation that has been established.”

“Bowie State has been home to me since 2007!  I’ve had the opportunity to play for and coach alongside Coach Wilson during his tenure here at Bowie State University,” said Jackson. Winning is important but so is building character and developing young men, which is something Coach Wilson always emphasized. I look forward to leading this program and continuing the tradition of winning on and off of the football field.”

Under Wilson, Bowie State’s football team advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II Football Championship in 2021. During his tenure at Bowie State, he led teams to two Black College National Championships, three CIAA Championships, seven CIAA Northern Division Championships, and was named CIAA Coach of the Year three times. He was one of four head coaches selected to participate in the Inaugural HBCU Legacy Bowl that debuted this past February.

“I would like to thank Coach Wilson for his outstanding leadership of Bowie State University’s football team for over 13 years,” said President. Aminta Breaux. “He has created an amazing program here at BSU ensuring continued excellence for BSU football for years to come. Coach Wilson is a graduate of BSU, so he will always be part of the Bulldog family.”

Clyde Doughty, vice president for athletics and recreation, said Kyle Jackson is the right person to take on leadership of the Bulldogs at this time. “Damon Wilson has left his mark providing sound leadership for the football program while being very intentional in developing young men academically and athletically,” said Doughty. “As a former student-athlete and BSU graduate, who has tutored under Coach Wilson for the last six years, Jackson is prepared for this opportunity. His transition into the interim head football coach position will provide continuity for the program and enable our student-athletes to continue their race to excellence in the classroom and on the field of competition.”

Wilson leaves his alma mater with a program that has grown to garner a strong national reputation.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to the administration, students, alumni, coaches, supporters, and the young men that allowed me to serve as their head football coach,” said Wilson. “We have had the opportunity to build a special program that allows young men to thrive on and off the football field.  Bowie State University has been great to me in my personal and professional development and I am forever grateful for the 13 years that I was granted the opportunity to serve at the helm.”

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About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.