Source – Northwestern targets Villanova Jackson as next AD

Northwestern is targeting Villanova athletic director Mark Jackson as the school’s new athletic director, sources told ESPN.

Jackson emerged from a field of three finalists and a deal is expected in the near future, sources said.

Jackson will take over for Derrick Gragg, who was rehired in June. He will become the school’s third athletic director since Jim Phillips left to accept the ACC commissioner job in December 2020.

Jackson brings extensive experience to the athletic director’s chair and in the football space. During Jackson’s nine years at AD, Villanova won two national titles in basketball. He built a reputation there as a strong fundraiser and administrator capable of handling significant facilitation projects.

Jackson brings extensive NFL and college football experience. This includes his stints in the athletic department there while overseeing football at both Syracuse and USC.

Prior to Villanova, Jackson served as senior associate director of athletics and chief innovation officer at USC. He worked closely with the football program there and helped renovate the Los Angeles Coliseum.

Jackson served as director of football development for the then-Oakland Raiders. He has a strong relationship with Pete Carroll, for whom he worked with the New England Patriots and at USC.

Northwestern spent much of last season dealing with the firing of coach Pat Fitzgerald in the wake of hazing allegations within the program. Interim coach David Brown earned the permanent job after going 8-5 and keeping the program together.

Northwestern is also undergoing a stadium overhaul at Ryan Field with Northwestern playing some home games in a temporary stadium this year.