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Tennessee State Football Hires New Defensive Coordinator, Promotes Dexter Jackson
Cedric Thornton replaces Gregg Williams as defensive coordinator, while Dexter Jackson is promoted to defensive backs coach and assistant head coach.
Feb. 5, 2026 at 6:15pm
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Tennessee State University's football program has made some key coaching changes, hiring Cedric Thornton as the new defensive coordinator and promoting Dexter Jackson to defensive backs coach, passing game coordinator, and assistant head coach.
Why it matters
These moves aim to bolster Tennessee State's defensive unit, which finished second overall in the Big South/Ohio Valley Conference last season. Thornton brings extensive experience as a defensive coordinator, while Jackson's promotion recognizes his contributions as a former Super Bowl MVP.
The details
Cedric Thornton replaces Gregg Williams, who was fired after one season as Tennessee State's defensive coordinator. Thornton was previously the defensive coordinator at Grambling State and Alcorn State. Dexter Jackson, who was the safeties coach in 2025, has been promoted to defensive backs coach, passing game coordinator, and assistant head coach. Jackson was the MVP of Super Bowl XXXVII when he played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Thornton was hired on February 5, 2026, replacing Gregg Williams.
- Jackson was promoted to his new roles on February 5, 2026.
The players
Cedric Thornton
The new defensive coordinator for Tennessee State University's football team, replacing Gregg Williams. Thornton has previous experience as a defensive coordinator at Grambling State and Alcorn State.
Dexter Jackson
A former NFL player who was the MVP of Super Bowl XXXVII with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has been promoted to defensive backs coach, passing game coordinator, and assistant head coach at Tennessee State University.
Gregg Williams
The former defensive coordinator for Tennessee State University's football team, who was fired after one season.
Reggie Barlow
The second-year head coach of Tennessee State University's football team.
Hue Jackson
The former offensive coordinator at Tennessee State University, who is now the head coach at Grambling State.
What’s next
The Tennessee State football team will look to build on their strong defensive performance from the 2025 season under the leadership of new defensive coordinator Cedric Thornton and the promoted Dexter Jackson.
The takeaway
Tennessee State University's football program is making strategic coaching changes to strengthen its defensive capabilities, bringing in an experienced defensive coordinator in Cedric Thornton and promoting the former Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson to a key role on the coaching staff.
