Another Top Ex-Player is Starting his Coaching Career

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Mark Pszonak | Last updated Feb 19, 2025 7:58 PM ET

This has been a popular off-season for ex-players starting their coaching careers. And now with the help of DeSean Jackson, who is also a first-time coach at Delaware State, Clinton Portis is joining this group. Jackson, the head coach with the Hornets, hired Portis earlier today.

While this will be Portis’ first coaching job, he is a former star on the field. In three seasons with the Miami Hurricanes he rushed for 2,523 yards and 20 touchdowns before being drafted in the second round by the Denver Broncos in 2002. In nine NFL seasons with the Broncos and Washington Redskins, Portis rushed for 9,923 yards and 75 touchdowns, while battling through some injuries near the conclusion of his career.

Oct 03, 2010; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis (26) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 17-12.© Howard Smith-Imagn Images

Coach Jackson is making a splash at Delaware State, as is first-time head coach Michael Vick at Norfolk State. Only time will tell if this well translate into victories, but for now both programs are gaining much more publicity than they are accustomed to.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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