Jacques Washington was announced cornerbacks coach at Western Illinois University ahead of the 2020 season. The former Iowa State standout arrived in Macomb after two seasons on staff at UCLA, where he served as a defensive analyst under Chip Kelly.
While at UCLA, Washington worked directly with the Bruins' defensive backs coach to break down the opposition's pass game. He led and instructed drill work and was also responsible for special teams. The assistance led to safety Stephan Blaylock's emergence as the team's top tackler in 2019, with 5.4 solo stops per game (18th in the NCAA). Corner Darnay Holmes was also named a PAC-12 honorable mention at the season's end.
Before UCLA, Washington returned home to Oklahoma to serve his alma mater, Owasso High School. The experience resulted in a state championship and three Division I scholarships (All-American and Big XII) for players under his direction.
Washington was a graduate assistant coach at Northeastern State University (2016-17) and also served as a volunteer linebacker coach at Iowa State. He was a four-year letter winner for the Cyclones, helping the team reach three bowl games. Washington also served as team captain and received two All-Big 12 accolades.
Following his collegiate career, Washington was invited to NFL training camps for the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins. In 2015, he played defensive back for the Ottawa Redblacks of the CFL; the team reached the Grey Cup championship game.
He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Supply Management from ISU. Washington and his wife Quin are expecting their first child in October 2020.
