HBCU Legends Headline 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Coaching Staff

The 2026 NFL Pro Bowl coaching staffs have been announced, and HBCU alumni are well-represented on both sides of the field. The NFC, led by Hall of Fame wide receiver and Mississippi Valley State alum Jerry Rice as head coach, will feature Delaware State head coach DeSean Jackson as Offensive Coordinator.

Jackson is coming off an impressive first season at DSU, where he helped the team improve from a 1-11 record the previous year to an 8-4 record, coming within a game of winning the MEAC title. In his illustrious 15-year NFL career, Jackson was selected to three Pro Bowls, all as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Also represented on the NFC coaching staff is former NFL veteran defensive back and Fort Valley State alum Tyrone Poole, who will assume the role of Defensive Coordinator. In September, Poole was named the head coach of the Alabama State Women's Flag Football program ahead of their second season. He was also selected to be enshrined in the 2026 Black College Football Hall of Fame class. Poole played 14 seasons in the NFL, winning two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots in 2003 and 2004.

Meanwhile, Team AFC, headed by Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young, will see Norfolk State head coach Michael Vick serve as the team's Offensive Coordinator. In his first season as head coach at Norfolk State, Vick finished with a 1-11 record.

The Pro Bowl Games are set to commence on Tuesday, February 3, airing on ESPN and streaming on NFL+ and the ESPN App at 8:00 p.m. ET.

"The representation of HBCU coaches on the Pro Bowl staff is a significant milestone for the HBCU community. It showcases the depth of coaching talent that has been cultivated within our institutions and the impact our alumni continue to have at the professional level. This is a proud moment for HBCUs, and we look forward to seeing these legendary coaches lead their teams to victory."

- HBCUConnect.com Editorial Team

Originally reported by HBCU Sports.