Idaho football hires former SEC coach as new defensive coordinator

Jan. 11—The Idaho football team announced the hiring of Dan Jackson as its new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in a news release on Wednesday.

Jackson spent the last two seasons as the defensive backs coach at the SEC’s Vanderbilt.

In his first season in Nashville in 2022, the Commodores tallied six interceptions. The following season, Vanderbilt doubled its pick count, totaling 12 on the season.

Jackson had a two-year stint at Northern Illinois as a defensive backs coach and co-special teams coordinator before coaching the Commodores.

In his first year on campus, the Huskies finished last in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) at 0-6 overall. The following season, Jackson and NIU had one of the best turnarounds in the country, finishing the ’21 campaign 9-5 overall, which was good enough for a MAC West Division title, a MAC championship and an invitation to the Cure Bowl.

“I am truly honored to step into the role of defensive coordinator for the University of Idaho and join Coach Eck’s staff,” Jackson said in a news release. “Together with my wife, Missy, we are thrilled to embrace the supportive community of Moscow as we begin this new chapter. Coach Eck is building a culture of winning on and off the field that I can’t wait to be part of. We look forward to forming lasting connections with the players, coaches and the passionate fan base that make up this incredible football community.”

Northern Illinois tallied three interceptions and 33 pass deflections during the ’21 campaign. Defensive back Donte Kent was fourth in the conference in pass deflections (10) and was selected to the Football Writers Association of America’s Freshman All-American team.

Before helping operate one of the best turnarounds in program history for the Huskies, the Omaha, Neb., native spent eight seasons at South Dakota…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/idaho-football-hires-former-sec-131600110.html

Author : Lewiston Tribune, Idaho

Publish date : 2024-01-11 13:16:00

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