Dan Jackson was named the Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers coach for the Vandals on Jan. 10, 2024.
Jackson, a South Dakota State alum, spent eight seasons with the Jackrabbits, ending his stint as Assistant Head Coach in the 2019 season. He coached two seasons at Northern Illinois before moving to Vanderbilt in 2022. He coached alongside Eck for four seasons from 2016 to 2019.
“Dan is an elite person and football coach,” Eck said. “He played a big part in South Dakota State’s ascension to the top program in the country and went on to add two years of SEC experience. He will build great connections with our current players, be a difference maker in recruiting, and help us continue our ascent to the top of FCS football. We are very excited to welcome Dan and his wife Missy to Moscow.”
Jackson helped the Vandy defense produce six interceptions in 2022 before they added another 12 in the 2023 campaign. Freshman Martel Hight emerged as the breakout star of 2023, playing in 11 games and becoming the first freshman in school history to return an interception for a touchdown with his pick-six at UNLV.
Jackson joined Northern Illinois in 2020 and helped engineer one of the nation’s best turnarounds in 2021. The Huskies were winless in six games during the 2020 campaign, but went 9-5 in 2021, winning the MAC West Division, MAC championship and an invitation to the Cure Bowl.
“I am truly honored to step into the role of Defensive Coordinator for the University of Idaho and join Coach Eck's staff,” Jackson said. “Together with my wife Missy, we are thrilled to embrace the supportive community of Moscow as we begin this new chapter. Coach Eck is building a culture of winning on and off the field that I can't wait to be a part of. We look forward to forming lasting connections with the players, coaches and the passionate fan base that make up this incredible football community.”
Jackson’s experience at the FCS level as a player and a coach will pay dividends for the Vandals.
At South Dakota State, his debut secondary in 2012 allowed just nine passing touchdowns while intercepting 13 passes. The next season, South Dakota State was second in FCS with 22 interceptions. Jackson was elevated to defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator in 2014 and assistant head coach and special teams coordinator in 2019. His 2019 special teams ranked among the top 25 in FCS in five categories and led the subdivision in punt return defense.
He began his career at the high school level where he coached as an assistant at his alma mater Omaha Burke High School.
He played linebacker for SDSU from 2003-05, before finishing his bachelor’s degree at Nebraska-Omaha. He earned his master’s degree from SDSU.
He will be joined in Moscow by his wife Missy.
