DeSean Jackson Brings NFL Pedigree to Delaware State Amid Miami Rumors Around Clinton Portis

When Clinton Portis arrived as an HBCU football position coach at Delaware State, it was a significant move for the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) community. Now, as he departs, the situation has taken an intriguing turn, with DeSean Jackson responding swiftly to keep the NFL pedigree in his coaching staff.

According to Scott Roussel of FootballScoop.com, Jackson has hired former NFL first-round pick Steve Broussard as Delaware State's new running backs coach, replacing Portis ahead of the 2026 season. But this isn't just a routine staff shuffle - it may be the prelude to a legacy reunion with the Miami Hurricanes.

Under Portis' guidance in 2025, Delaware State averaged an impressive 291 rushing yards per game, the highest mark in the FCS. The Hornets became one of the most physical run teams in the country, leaning on a ground attack that overwhelmed opponents weekly. However, following Portis' departure, Delaware State's top two rushers - Marquis Gillis (Arizona State) and James Jones (New Mexico State) - transferred to FBS programs.

The timing of Portis' potential move to the Miami Hurricanes is significant, as the program is currently searching for a new running backs coach after Matt Merritt left on February 5 to join the Arizona Cardinals.

"The job is one of the most attractive position roles in college football. The Miami Hurricanes returns its top four tailbacks from a 2025 team that made a National Championship run."

In response to Portis' departure, DeSean Jackson swiftly brought in Steve Broussard, a former first-round pick and longtime West Coast coach with deep California ties, much like Jackson himself. This move highlights Jackson's commitment to maintaining an NFL-caliber coaching staff at Delaware State, further strengthening the HBCU's reputation as a destination for former professional players to transition into the coaching ranks.

The situation at Delaware State underscores the significance of the NFL-to-HBCU coaching pipeline, which has seen a growing number of former professional stars bringing their expertise to the HBCU football community. This fluidity, with the potential for Portis to return to his alma mater, the Miami Hurricanes, serves as a testament to the increasing recognition and value of HBCU football programs in the broader college football landscape.

HBCUConnect Perspective: The coaching changes at Delaware State highlight the growing influence and importance of HBCU football programs in the college sports landscape. By attracting former NFL stars like Clinton Portis and Steve Broussard to their coaching staff, Delaware State is demonstrating the high-level talent and experience that HBCU programs can offer. This, in turn, raises the profile of HBCU athletics and showcases the wealth of coaching talent within the HBCU community. As the potential for Portis to return to his alma mater, the Miami Hurricanes, looms large, it underscores the fluid nature of the NFL-to-HBCU coaching pipeline and the growing recognition of the value that HBCU programs can provide to both coaches and players alike.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.