Tennessee State football hires Cedric Thornton, promotes Dexter Jackson

Cedric Thornton has replaced Gregg Williams as defensive coordinator for Tennessee State football.

Williams, who the coach of the Buffalo Bills (2001-03) and interim coach of the Cleveland Browns (2018), was fired on Jan. 15 after spending one season at TSU. Thornton was promoted by second-year coach Reggie Barlow after spending the 2025 season as linebackers coach and associate head coach. He will retain the role of associate head coach.

TSU’s defense finished the 2025 season ranked second overall (339.8 yards) in the Big South/Ohio Valley Conference and fourth in scoring (26.6 points).

Thornton, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, came to TSU after spending two seasons as the defensive coordinator at Grambling State on former TSU offensive coordinator Hue Jackson’s staff. Before that, Thornton was the defensive coordinator at Alcorn State (2018-22) on Fred McNair’s staff. McNair is the older brother of former Tennessee Titans Pro Bowl quarterback Steve McNair, who was killed in 2009. Thornton was hired as Alcorn State’s linebackers coach in 2016.

Before joining Alcorn State, Thornton was the defensive coordinator at Alabama State, where he played linebacker (1991-95). He also spent time as linebackers coach at Texas Southern. Thornton began his coaching career at Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, Alabama.  

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Former Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson promoted at TSU

Barlow also promoted Dexter Jackson to defensive backs coach, passing game coordinator, and assistant head coach. Jackson was the safeties coach in 2025.

Jackson played safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was the MVP in the 2002 Super Bowl after recording two interceptions in the Bucs’ 48-21 win over the Oakland Raiders.

After leaving Tampa Bay, Jackson played for the Arizona Cardinals, returned to the Bucs, and finished his NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008.

Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on X @MikeOrganWriter.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee State football hires Cedric Thornton, promotes Dexter Jackson