North Carolina Central University Athletics

Jesse Thompson is entering his first season with the North Carolina Central University football program with the 2024 campaign. He will serve as safeties coach for the Eagles.
 
Thompson comes to Durham after serving as associate head coach and defensive coordinator for Mississippi Valley State University in 2023.
 
Prior to joining MVSU, Thompson spent 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, before signing as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens, and now is entering his fifth season in the NFL.
 
During the shortened Spring 2021 COVID season, 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, Thompson’s Northern Arizona squad traveled to Tucson and defeated the University of Arizona Wildcats for the first time since 1932.

The Northern Arizona defense capped off the fall 2021 season ranking 13th nationally in third 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. The secondary also proved relentless in a 10-3 victory in Huntsville, Texas, over the reigning 2021 FCS national champion Sam Houston State.

Prior to Northern Arizona, Thompson served as defensive backs coach at Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss.

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 in 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.