
Steve Jackson
Secondary coach
Biography
Steve Jackson was named secondary coach on Feb. 27, 2023, after spending the 2022 season as a senior offensive assistant for Atlanta.
In 2022, Atlanta offense led the NFL in fewest penalties, finished third in the NFL in rushing yards per game and 10th in third-down conversion rate. Atlanta also had the third-highest successful play rate on rushing attempts, based on EPA, at 45.1 percent.
Jackson came to Atlanta with 18 years of NFL coaching experience, having served as the secondary/cornerbacks coach for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2020-21.
Under Jackson's guidance, Cincinnati's defensive backs limited opposing quarterbacks to a 60.8 completion percentage, eight touchdowns and eight interceptions resulting in a 74.9 passer rating over a four-game run in the 2021 postseason, en route to an appearance in Super Bowl LVI.
In 2020, Jackson's Bengals limited opposing quarterbacks to a 62.8 completion percentage – the sixth-lowest in the NFL that season.
Prior to his time in Cincinnati, Jackson spent two seasons with the New York Jets where he served as the tam's assistant defensive backs coach. During his two seasons with the Jets, safety Jamal Adams was selected to consecutive Pro Bowl and AP All-Pro nods. Adams also led the Jets in tackles both seasons and was voted as the Curtis Martin Team Most Valuable Player.
Before his stint in New York, Jackson spent two seasons (2016-17) as the assistant secondary coach for the Tennessee Titans. In 2017, Titans safety Kevin Byard recorded a career-high eight interceptions – tied for the most in the NFL that season. Jackson also aided in the development of cornerback Adoree' Jackson – the team's first-round selection in 2017 – who was relied upon to play immediately and ended his rookie season with a team-high 17 passes defensed and three forced fumbles.
Jackson spent one season (2013) with the Detroit Lions as an assistant secondary coach after spending eight years (2004-11) with Washington as safeties coach, where he also earned the title of defensive passing game coordinator from 2006-09. Jackson's time in Washington was best known for his work as the position coach for the late Sean Taylor, who earned AP All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors while learning under Jackson.
Jackson started his coaching career as the safeties coach for the Buffalo Bills from 2001-03.
Prior to his coaching career, Jackson played safety for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans for nine seasons from 1991-99. He was originally selected by the Oilers in the third-round of the 1991 NFL Draft out of Purdue University. He recorded 14 interceptions and nine sacks in his NFL career. In his final season, he helped the Titans make an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIV.
Jackson was a four-year starter at Purdue University. As a senior, he earned All-American honors and was named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation's top defensive back.
Jackson was born in Houston, Texas and attended Klein Forest High School. He has one daughter, Dominique, and one son, Stephen.