Jesse Thompson enters his first season as The Delta Devils' Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator.
Thompson arrives in Itta Bena after spending four seasons on staff at Northern Arizona University, where he oversaw the secondary.
In 2019, under the tutelage of Thompson, Khalil Dorsey earned his second All-Big Sky First Team honor. Dorsey
would go on to sign as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens, and now is entering his 4th season in the NFL. During the shortened Spring 2021 COVID season, Northern Arizona safety, Morgan Vest, earned All-Big Sky First Team honors as he was a unanimous selection following his first season on the field. In the Fall of 2021, Northern Arizona traveled to Tucson and defeated the University of Arizona Wildcats for the first time since 1932.
Thompson’s defense tallied 3 turnovers, including one interception for a defensive score, to earn their spot in the history books. The Northern Arizona defense capped off the Fall 2021 season ranking 13th nationally in 3rd Down Defense and 18th nationally in interceptions. Thompson’s secondary contributed to the highest-ever football team GPA in program history and the 2021 Big Sky Conference President’s Cup. In 2022, Thompson’s secondary contributed to the record books as Northern Arizona’s defense recorded 16 tackles for loss and six sacks in a 24-10 victory at Idaho State University. Thompson’s secondary also proved relentless in a 10-3 victory in Huntsville, TX, over the reigning 2021 FCS National champion, Sam Houston State Bearkats, in the best defensive effort on the road since the 2006 season.
An esteemed recruiter, Thompson contributed to the 2021 Northern Arizona University signing class, which ranked first in the Big Sky Conference and third nationally in the FCS. Prior to Northern Arizona, Thompson served as the Defensive Backs Coach at Delta State University in Cleveland, MS.
Thompson's secondary helped Delta State advance to the second round of the 2017 NCAA Division II Playoffs after ranking among the top 20 teams nationally in several categories, including interceptions (17th), red zone defense (4th), and third-down defense (19th).
Before heading to Delta State, Thompson spent a season as the defensive coordinator/secondary coach for Virginia Union University (2016).
Thompson earned his first collegiate coaching position at Oklahoma Panhandle State University in 2010 and
assumed various roles with the Aggies, including defensive coordinator. A rising star in the industry, Thompson was selected both in 2014 and 2023 for participation at the NCAA/NFL Coaches Academy and was selected for the 2016 NFL Bill Walsh Coaching Fellowship with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a Defensive Assistant during training camp.
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