Historically Black colleges and universities are leveling up with new coaching hires who bring stardom and NFL playing experience to the sidelines. On Friday, former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver and eight-time Pro Bowler DeSean Jackson was hired as the new head coach for the Delaware State Hornets.

DOVER, Del. — Former Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson is taking over the football program at Delaware State. The school announced Jackson’s hire Friday in the latest move by a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference program to hire a former NFL star as its football coach. Norfolk State hired Michael Vick last week.

But Jackson was unceremoniously released by former Eagles head coach Chip Kelly in the spring of 2014, coming off Jackson's best season in the NFL when he had 82 receptions for 1,332 yards. He was signed right away by Washington, and spent the next three seasons there. Jackson had some of his best games against the Eagles during that time.