Dan Jackson joined the NIU coaching staff in March of 2020 as cornerbacks and co-special teams coordinator with a wealth of experience in all three phases of the game.
The Huskie cornerbacks benefitted from Jackson’s mentorship in his first season. Cornerback Jordan Gandy earned second team All-MAC honors after leading the team in tackles with 41 and tallying an interception.
Jackson came to NIU after spending the previous eight seasons on staff at South Dakota State. He played a key role in the success of the South Dakota State football program, helping the Jackrabbits to eight consecutive Football Championship Subdivision playoff appearances.
A 12-year coaching veteran with experience in all three phases of the game, Jackson began his tenure with the Jackrabbits in 2012, coaching the SDSU cornerbacks. During the Jackrabbits’ 2012 playoff season, Jackson coached a secondary that allowed just nine passing touchdowns, while collecting 13 interceptions.
In 2013, SDSU returned to the FCS playoffs, thanks in large part to an opportunistic defense. Under Jackson’s tutelage, the Jackrabbits ranked second nationally with 22 interceptions, helping SDSU rank fifth nationally with 33 turnovers forced. He was elevated to defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator in 2014.
During his career coaching the SDSU secondary, three Jackrabbit defensive backs earned all-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors, while another was selected to the MVFC All-Newcomer Team.
In 2019, Jackson was promoted to assistant head coach and special teams coordinator. South Dakota State ranked in the top 25 in five special teams categories, leading FCS in punt return defense. The Jackrabbits were eighth in the country, first in the MVFC in kickoff return defense and their five blocked kicks ranked ninth in the nation and second in the league.
Jackson, who earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, spent seven seasons as assistant coach at Harry A. Burke High School in Omaha, Neb. He served as offensive coordinator and coached the linebackers. Jackson earned the Omaha Metro Coaches Assistant Coach of the Year Award in 2008 and 2011.
