Football | 3/17/2026 9:02:00 AM
GREENSBORO – North Carolina A&T head football coach Shawn Gibbs has named Donovan Jackson as the new offensive line coach, replacing Ron Mattes, who retired after 10 seasons with the Aggies. Jackson joins A&T after one season at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) in 2025.
"I am excited to welcome coach Donovan Jackson to A&T as our new offensive line coach," said Gibbs. "Coach Jackson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience at every level of football – high school, Division II, FCS, FBS, and NFL – along with deep local ties to the Greensboro community. As a former high school head coach in Greensboro, he understands the pride, tradition, and talent that make this area and North Carolina A&T special."
In his one season with the Golden Lions, UAPB had one of the least penalized offensive lines in the nation, ranking No. 1 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). As a result of a disciplined offensive line, the Golden Lions ranked 42nd in fewest penalty yards and first in the SWAC. The Golden Lions averaged 144.6 rushing yards per game in 2025.
"His extensive background in offensive line play, both in teaching fundamentals and developing complete student-athletes, will have an impact on our program. Coach Jackson's leadership experience and commitment to excellence make him a tremendous addition to A&T. We are confident he will play a key role in the continued growth and success of our football program."
Jackson brings a diversified skill set to Aggieland. Before arriving at UAPB, Jackson spent the 2024 season at the University of Washington as the interior defensive tackles coach under Steve Belichick, son of NFL coaching legend Bill Belichick. In addition, he has earned numerous internships and full-time positions on the NFL level.
The Green Bay Packers made him a scouting assistant in 2021 before he joined the Minnesota Vikings as a pro scout in 2022. The following year, the Seattle Seahawks named him an assistant offensive line coach, where he worked under Super Bowl champion and two-time college football national champion coach Pete Carroll.
Jackson began coaching at High Point Andrews High School in 2009. At 27, he became the youngest high school head coach in North Carolina, leading the Northeast Guilford program from 2012-2014. After eight years at the high school level, he coached at Norfolk State, Savannah State, and LSU, assisting the offensive line during LSU's Fiesta Bowl and national championship runs.
In 2007, Jackson graduated from Norfolk State University with a bachelor's degree in psychology. On the field, he played along the offensive and defensive lines, earning team captain honors during his career. He played professionally in the Arena Football League and has a master's degree from North Carolina A&T State University in 2012.
Jackson and his wife, Lindsey, have four children: Enzo, Franco, Maisie, and True.
