Donte’ Jackson named men’s head basketball coach at Alabama A&M

NORMAL — Donte’ Jackson, who established a successful career at Grambling State and Stillman, has been named men’s head basketball coach at Alabama A&M.

“We welcome a coach with an outstanding resume, one that has won at the highest levels,” said Director of Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant at an introductory press conference with Jackson and Alabama A&M President Dr. Daniel K. Wims.

Jackson, who has compiled a 263-185 career record in 15 seasons, is a three-time Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Coach of the Year honoree, guiding Grambling State to three regular season conference titles in eight seasons, including a trip to the 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.

“I’m incredibly thankful to Dr. Wims and Dr. Bryant for this opportunity,” Jackson said. “I am excited to be on The Hill and look forward to bringing a winning culture to this outstanding institution.”

Jackson established himself as one of the best coaches in the conference during his first season at Grambling State, where, in 2018, he helped the program win its first SWAC regular season championship in nearly 30 years.

During the regular season, Grambling State enjoyed the national spotlight as being one of the teams in NCAA Division I with the longest winning streak, which got as high as 11 games before a loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Jackson, which saw the team finish at 17-14 overall and 13-5 in SWAC play, earned several accolades, including SWAC Coach of the Year, NABC District 23 Coach of the Year and the Ben Jobe National Coach of the Year honor.

The Tigers reached new highs under Jackson during the 2022-23 campaign. The Tigers finished the season 24-9, tallying its most wins in a single season since joining Division I in 1977.

GSU also defeated two Power 5 teams for the first time in school history, earning wins over Colorado and Vanderbilt. The Tigers won the SWAC regular season title and reached the 2023 SWAC Championship Game. Jackson produced the SWAC Player of the Year in Cameron Christon and won the SWAC Coach of the Year Award.

Jackson reached the pinnacle of the SWAC during the 2023-24 season, leading GSU to its first ever SWAC Tournament Championship win and berth in the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament. The Tigers went 21-15 overall and 14-4 in conference play. Grambling State defeated Texas Southern 75-66 in the SWAC title game. GSU went on to defeat Montana State 88-81 in the NCAA First Four, before falling to top-seeded Purdue in the first round.

Prior to GSU, Jackson spent three seasons as the head men’s basketball coach at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

Jackson’s second year was Stillman’s most decorated season in school history. The Tigers finished 27-6, won the 2016 SIAC Championship Tournament and earned a berth in the NCAA tournament, where they defeated West Georgia in their first-round game. Jackson was named SIAC Coach of the Year, as well as BOXTOROW National Coach of the Year. Additionally, his team produced the SIAC Player of the Year, as well as Newcomer of the Year.

Jackson graduated from Central State in 2003 with a bachelor’s of science in education, and in 2008, he earned a master’s of science in educational leadership. He was a three-year letterwinner on the Marauder basketball team and earned all-conference and all-region honors during the 2001-02 season. He led the Marauders to the NAIA Division I National Tournament and a Sweet Sixteen appearance with a 24-8 record during 1999-2000 season. Jackson capped his stellar career by being selected as the recipient of the John W. Garland President’s Award, presented annually to a student-athlete who embodies the highest standards of leadership, integrity and sportsmanship through academic and athletic achievements.

A native of Milwaukee, Jackson attended Alexander Hamilton High School. He was an All-City Conference player and received all-state honors his senior year. Prior to attending Central State, Jackson played one season at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.