A former Texas A&I standout in the mid-1980s, a member of the Javelina Hall of Fame and former coach, James Jefferson returned to the Texas A&M-Kingsville sidelines in 2013 as a member of David Calloway’s first staff. He begins his third season as the secondary’s coach in 2015.
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Under his tutelage in 2014, Trevor Pesek led the team with 90-plus tackles and the senior was named to the All-Lone Star Conference Academic team and Capital One All-America® Division II First Team. Corner Kelechi Amushie appeared on the All-LSC honorable mention team. Taking over as interim defensive coordinator on Oct. 14, 2014, Jefferson guided the Javelina defense to five turnovers in a win in the inaugural LSC Playoffs at McMurry University (Nov. 14).
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In his first season (2013), Jefferson guided the TAMUK secondary to a new scheme.
A Kingsville native, Jefferson played in both the offensive and defensive backfields for the Hoggies during his playing career from 1982-85. He was selected to the Football News All-America, was the Lone Star Conference’s Defensive back of the Year and first-team All-LSC as a senior in 1985.
Following his collegiate career, Jefferson played in the both CFL and the NFL. He first played with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 1986-88 twice earning All-Canadian team honors. Seattle then signed Jefferson in 1989 where he played five seasons. He was named AFC player of the week twice once in ’89 and once in 1990. He set a then record for the Seahawks with a 97-yard kickoff return. Jefferson capped his career in the CFL with the British Columbia Lions. He won one Grey Cups with both Bombers and Lions.
Upon the completion of his professional playing career, the Kingsville native returned home and spent a season on the Javelina staff coaching the cornerbacks. He moved on to Alabama State in 1997 to serve as the secondary coach. After one season, Jefferson returned to the Javelina staff to coach the secondary,
From 2000-07, Jefferson worked in the front office with the New Orleans Saints as a scout. He then returned to the Javelina coaching staff in 2007 before moving on to the high school ranks. He served as the defensive coordinator with Kingsville Academy for three years before spending the past two seasons with Ray High School in Corpus Christi.
