Jackson Has Long History of Success on and off the Court

Alabama A&M University President Dr. Daniel K. Wims and Director of Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant introduced Donte’ Jackson as the new head men’s basketball coach Thursday at the AAMU Event Center. Jackson becomes the 11th head coach in program history and the sixth since Alabama A&M joined NCAA Division I.

Jackson arrives at Alabama A&M after an eight-season tenure at Grambling State University, where he built a reputation for success.

“This process was a focused national search,” Bryant said. “We had to make sure we had the best candidate that fits Alabama A&M University, and I think we did.”

President Wims echoed that sentiment.

“This young man is someone who we have been watching for many years,” Wims said. “When he was in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, I watched him at Stillman, and he did a great job. Then he went to one of our nemeses, Grambling, and he did a great job, winning several regular-season titles and a SWAC Championship. Now he has the opportunity to take us to another level.”

A three-time SWAC Coach of the Year, Jackson led Grambling State to three regular-season titles. Most notably, he guided the Tigers to their first-ever SWAC Tournament Championship and NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament appearance in the 2023-24 season.

Jackson said his decision to join Alabama A&M was both personal and professional.

“My wife and I needed a change of scenery,” Jackson said. “We decided to hit reset and refocus for our purpose and refocus to build a brand-new program into a championship contender.”

He also laid out a bold vision for the Bulldogs.

“That’s what I do – I’m a program builder,” Jackson said. “It’s time to turn this program into one of the best in the SWAC, the state, the region, and the nation. It’s time to build something that Bulldog Nation can be proud of. It’s time to build a winner – a championship-level program that will compete for championships every single year. One thing’s for sure: I know I can do it. And as one rapper said back in the day, ‘If you don’t believe me, just watch.’”

Jackson outlined three key pillars for success:

• Recruiting: “We are going to recruit, recruit, and recruit. We are going to recruit the 256, the 205, the 334, the 251 – we are going to recruit the region and the nation. We are going to recruit the best players that fit us institutionally and athletically.”
• Discipline: “We’re going to have discipline on the court and off. We will ensure our athletes have success in the classroom and on the court. The majority of the time, I deal with African American men, and my graduation rate is 95%.”
• Coaching and Relationships: “Our coaching staff is going to coach their butts off. We are going to build and nurture positive relationships with our student-athletes. Once they know you care about them as a person, not just a player, they are willing to go further and further for you.”

Jackson closed his introduction with a direct message to the next generation of Bulldogs. “I just want the future Bulldogs to know – we’re looking for them. Come be a Dawg,” he said. “Thank you for this opportunity, President Wims and Dr. Bryant. And as always, Go Bulldogs!”

For more on Coach Jackson visit: https://aamusports.com/