Mario Cristobal’s decision to bring Chevis Jackson into the fold as the new cornerbacks coach signals a clear intent: Miami is serious about upgrading its defense and adding stud recruiters to its staff.
Chevis Jackson, whose path to coaching was as serendipitous as it was successful, never initially set his sights on coaching. “I never really thought about it. It just kind of happened. I went back to school at South Alabama, wound up getting my master’s and everything,” Jackson reflected during his time at Kansas University.
He got a call from Coach Corey Raymond about a Graduate Assistant position opening up at LSU, and with Coach Les Miles still at the helm, Jackson seized the opportunity and hasn’t looked back since.
His tenure at Marshall, alongside Lance Guidry, Miami’s defensive coordinator, perfectly matched their coaching styles. Together, they elevated the Thundering Herd’s secondary to one of the nation’s elite units, boasting 17 interceptions and a third-place ranking in pass efficiency defense. Jackson and Guidry have proven to be master architects of defensive backfields, crafting strategies that not only disrupt but dominate the air game, with exotic blitzes coming from all levels of the defense.
Their record at Marshall, was lauded, and had the No. 1 third-down defense in the country and a fifth-place finish in yards per play, speaks volumes about their ability to read the game and adjust strategies on the fly, ensuring that quarterbacks and receivers alike have nightmares about facing their defense.
Jackson’s journey from the gridirons of LSU, where he played as a true freshman in a program renowned for its defensive backs, to the sidelines as a coach, is a story of dedication, passion, and an unerring eye for the game’s intricacies. At LSU, Jackson wasn’t just another player; he was a standout cornerback, named all-SEC in 2007, and a pivotal figure for the national champion Tigers. His transition into coaching has been seamless, with stints at Kansas, Ball State, LSU, and South Alabama, where his influence on the defensive backfield has consistently elevated the play of his units.
His coaching pedigree is further decorated by his accolades off the field, including being named the 2017 MAC recruiter of the year. This speaks to Jackson’s ability to identify and nurture talent, a skill that will serve Miami well as they look to continue to strengthen their ranks with high-caliber recruits. His experience as a player, especially in the NFL with teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars, adds a layer of respect and relatability that can be pivotal in coaching young athletes.
The partnership of Jackson and Guidry at Miami is a reunion that promises to bring Marshall’s defensive success to Coral Gables. With a shared history and a proven track record, the anticipation for what this duo can achieve in the ACC is sky-high. As Miami gears up for the upcoming season, the addition of Chevis Jackson is a clear signal that the Hurricanes are not just looking to compete; they’re aiming to dominate, especially in the air.