Kyle Jackson became the 10th head coach in Bowie State University football program on January 23, 2023. after serving as the interim head coach during the 2022 season. Now entering his eigth overall season with the Bulldogs, Jackson previously served as the defensive coordinator and has several years of experience as well as familiarity with BSU’s football program as it has become a Division II powerhouse.
During the 2024 season, Jackson guided the Bulldogs to a 4-6 overall record, including a 3-4 mark in conference play. He coached 10 student-athletes to All-CIAA honors, highlighted by Offensive Rookie of the Year Micah Robinson. Jared Achuff (OL) and Sadiq Salawu (LB) earned First Team All-CIAA recognition, while four Bulldogs were named to the Second Team: Joseph Towler (WR), Justin Zavala (P), Awesome Waller Jr. (PR), and Robinson. In addition, four players were selected to the CIAA All-Rookie Team, including Robinson, Kevin Taylor (QB), Chris Coleman (K), and Maximus Jones (RB). Jackson also had two Bulldogs chosen to compete in the prestigious Black College Football HBCU Legacy Bowl in New Orleans.
In Jackson's first official season leading the Bulldogs in 2023, Bowie State finished 6-4 overall and 5-3 in conference play capped by a 3-1 mark at home highlighted by eight All-CIAA recipients including First Teamer's in Kaleb Chester (OL), Devin Williams (DB), four Second Team honorees in Justin Zavala (P/K), Shawan Lewis (DL), Hasan Mosley (DB) and Jadon Carter (DB). Additionally, BSU was responsible for two All-CIAA Rookie Team awardees in Malcolm Sesay (DB) and Jordan Morse (QB).
During his interim season, Jackson led the program to a 6-4 record and eight players earned Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) All-Conference honors, with
Joshua Pryor being named the 2021 CIAA Defensive Player of the Year and five First Team All-CIAA selections. Additionally, Pryor and
Jordan Griffin were both selected First Team and Second Team All Super Region Two honorees. Jackson also had five Bulldogs selected to participate in second Annual Black College Football HBCU Legacy Bowl in New Orleans.
Jackson is in his second stint coaching at BSU, having served as the Linebackers and Tight Ends coach from 2011-2013.
Since returning to Bowie State in 2017, Jackson has played a major role in the success of the program. The Bulldogs have 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).
In 2021, Jackson was the recruiting coordinator and linebackers coach where he was an instrumental piece in the the Bulldogs historic season, securing a third-consecutive CIAA Conference title, while advancing to the NCAA DII Playoffs for the fourth-straight season. The Bulldogs also advanced to the 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 a strong defensive unit which finished in the top-10 nationally in multiple categories including: Defensive TDs (1
st), Tackles for Loss (1
st), Turnovers Gained (2
nd), Third Down Defense (2
nd), Fumbles Recovered (2
nd), Sacks (3
rd), Red Zone Defense (4
th), Fourth Down Defense (6
th), Pass Efficiency Defense (7
th), Total Defense (9
th), Scoring Defense (11
th). Additionally, inside linebacker Wesley Bowers was named to the Super Region II Defensive First Team.
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 a 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 (2
nd), Tackles for Loss (2
nd), Third Down Defense (4
th), Defensive TDs (5
th), Red Zone Defense (4
th), Sacks (6
th), Scoring Defense (7
th) and Pass Efficiency Defense (9
th). 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 Conference Title and it’s 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.
During 2017, the Bulldogs finished 9-2 overall and advanced to the NCAA Playoffs for the second time in school history. BSU’s defense finished #1 in the country in pass efficiency defense and ranked atop in the CIAA for scoring defense. Inside linebacker Kyle Jackson was named All-CIAA Honorable Mention.
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 #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.
