Jackson out as defensive coordinator, accepts job at Texas State

After coaching two seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Wildcats, Tremaine Jackson announced Tuesday morning he was leaving ACU to become the defensive line coach at Texas State.

Jackson tweeted his message to the Wildcat defense around noon just after the team met to discuss his departure.

“A message to the #212Defense! This is and always will be about you!” Jackson said on his Twitter post. “I love you guys so much and I appreciate everything you allowed me to teach! Thank you! Always remember, nothing just happens! F.A.M.I.L.Y.”

The Houston native took over the defensive coordinator position in the 2017 season, the same year Adam Dorrel became head coach.

Dorrel said he valued the time he was able to coach with Jackson.

“I had to meet with our players about it and obviously they were disappointed,” Dorrel said. “He’s been a great ambassador for our football program. I think he’s a very good young coach and I think he has a good upside. He’s going to do great in this profession.”

In his time at ACU, Jackson coached one first team All-Conference player, two second teamers and three honorable mentions.

ACU’s defense finished fourth in the conference in total yards allowed (3,230) and yards allowed per game (358.9) after the 2017 season.

Last season, Jackson helped the defense finish fourth in points allowed per game (26.9) and third in yards allowed per game (385.5).

Two highlights from the 2018 season included holding Nicholls, the Southland champions, to 12 points and Sam Houston to 10 in Huntsville.

Jackson noted his emotions and thanked ACU for the opportunity on Twitter.

“As I leave ACU, I leave with a heavy heart because of the relationships that were built over the last two years,” Jackson said. “I am indebted to you and I truly thank you for allowing me to be the leader of the UNIT!”

Texas State’s new addition to the staff leaves the Wildcats after their most successful season in Div. I finishing at 6-5 overall and 5-4 in Southland. He joins the Bobcats after a 3-9 season with a 1-7 finish in Sun Belt play.