Carl Jackson was born in Bay City, TX. He earned his B.S. degree in 1963 and his M.S. in 1975, both from Prairie View A&M University.  Mr. Jackson began his career in sports as an outstanding athlete at Prairie View A&M University, where his talent was nurtured and manifested into producing a nationally recognized athlete and coach. While a student at Prairie View, he was a two-time all-conference quarterback and first team academic All-American. Carl’s superior athletic ability led to him being named PVAMU’s Outstanding Athlete in 1961. He placed third in the long jump at the NAIA national track meet in 1961 and second in 1962. His career best leap was 25-3 1/2.


Upon graduation Carl accepted a position as a High School Coach. His exceptional athletic ability and leadership allowed him to coach at the colligate level and rise to the National Football League.


He became the Running Backs Coach at North Texas State under Hayden Fry from 1976-78 before coming to Iowa. He coached 14 years (1963-76) in the Texas high school ranks prior to joining Fry at North Texas in 1976.


Mr. Jackson was a member of the University of Iowa coaching staff from 1979-91, in his ninth year he served as Running Backs Coach. He previously served in that same capacity for the Hawkeyes from 1979-88 and he was Iowa’s Offensive Coordinator from 1989-91. He served over 22 years on the Iowa football staff.

Coach Jackson’s exemplary skills led Iowa to win five Big Ten championships, earning Rose Bowl appearances in 1982, 1986 and 1991. Iowa earned a BCS Orange Bowl appearance in 2002. The Hawkeyes won the 2004 Outback Bowl and the 2005 Capital One Bowl and returned to the 2006 Outback Bowl and the 2006 Alamo Bowl. In addition, the Hawkeyes have appeared in eight additional bowl games. The Hawkeyes led the Big Ten in total offense and scoring offense in 1990. Iowa was ranked 11th in scoring offense, 14th in rushing offense and 15th in total offense, nationally. In 1991 the Hawkeyes tied the then-school record with 10 victories and were ranked 5th in the nation in the final CNN/USA Today coaches poll. Iowa led the Big Ten in scoring in both 2001 (32.6) and 2002 (37.2).


Jackson also worked with the Hawkeye kicking game during his previous stint on the Iowa staff. Punter Reggie Roby in 1981 set a National College Athletic Association record by averaging 49.8 yards per punt and place-kicker Rob Houghtlin was Iowa’s career scoring leader before being passed by Nate Kaeding in 2003.


In 1992, Jackson joined the staff of the National Football League San Francisco 49’ers as offensive backfield coach. The 49’ers made the NFL playoffs all five of Jackson’s seasons in San Francisco (1992-96), winning the Super Bowl in 1995. He also coached two NFL Pro Bowl games in 1993 and 1994. In 1997 Jackson moved to the University of Texas, serving as Offensive Backfield Coach under head Coach John Mackovic. While at UT, Carl coached NCAA rushing and scoring leader Ricky Williams. In 1998, Mr. Jackson coached Lincoln High School in Port Arthur, TX.

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