MU 72 | FALL 2024
Cornelius Jackson
Men’s Basketball Head Coach
Career with the Herd: Assistant coach on staff from 2017-2023, named head coach on staff spring of 2024, played for the Herd from 1998-2001.
You come to work every day, and the sign on your office says Head Coach at Marshall – what does that mean to you?
It means the world to me. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to serve as the head coach at my alma mater. It’s a lifelong dream that comes with great responsibility, and I’m looking forward to continuing to help raise Marshall Basketball to new heights.
Tell us an interesting aspect of your job that we may not know about.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no “offseason” or “out of season” in this profession. It’s a 24-7, 365-days, around-the-clock role.
What do you hope is the biggest impact of your work?
I hope my biggest impact will be in helping to create great fathers, husbands, leaders and citizens who will, in turn, leave a positive impact on this world.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the opportunity to serve and mentor young men through the game of basketball.
What are your favorite Marshall moments?
I have many favorite Marshall moments, but the two that stick out are winning the 2017-18 Conference USA Tournament and beating Wichita State to advance to the round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament.
What are your expectations for your first season as the head coach at Marshall?
My expectation is to continue to elevate Marshall Basketball in a first-class manner — on and off the court — and to create a basketball program and culture that this university, this community and the entire state of West Virginia can be proud of.
How do you feel as you take over for a coach who had success at Marshall?
It’s a great feeling. I love Coach D’Antoni and am grateful for the opportunity he gave me here seven years ago. I’m super-excited to continue to grow the Marshall Basketball brand.
Based on your work, what do you know that you wish everyone knew?
I wish everyone knew the extent of time and preparation that goes into just one single game.
