Grambling State basketball coach Donte' Jackson represented for HBCUs as his team secured a significant triumph over Montana State in the First Four in March, and he is now reaping the rewards of their success. Per Grambling State University's athletic department, Jackson has signed an extension that will keep him with the program through 2029.

Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Trayvean D. Scott said in a statement, “Coach Jackson is without a doubt one of the best basketball coaches in the country and we are blessed that he's the leader of our men's basketball program, He has taken our program to heights that haven't been seen for decades and we are confident that he will continue to be successful and mold our student-athletes into men who represent our institution the right way.”

Jackson has steered the Tigers to significant success under his leadership. Since joining Grambling in 2017, he has secured three SWAC regular season championships and earned three SWAC Coach of the Year accolades. Additionally, he has been honored twice as the Ben Jobe National Coach of the Year. In the 2022-23 season, he led GSU to 24 victories – the highest number of wins in a season since transitioning to Division I in 1977.

Grambling State had a successful 2023-24 season, clinching their first SWAC tournament title and making their NCAA tournament debut. They triumphed over Montana State 88-81 in the First Four before facing No. 1 seed Purdue. Their thrilling victory over Montana State in the First Four even earned acclaim from Howard University alumna and Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris.

When asked by Andy Katz who was his best text or phone call after the team's victory, he said, “My best text came from the vice president of the United States, Madam VP, Kamala Harris. Man, incredible just to talk to her for a couple of minutes. Just proud. Just probably one of the best moments of my life…She was just happy that the way we displayed our team her and her husband was on the edge of the seat going into overtime and She a HBCU grad, she was just proud, just had some HBCU pride. So is this a call or a text? Call. Just a call. Phone call. So, called my AD, brought all the guys in, let them listen to the conversation. Hey, it's big time.”

Per a video posted to X in March, Harris called Jackson and the Tigers to personally congratulate them for their monumental achievement.

“I have to tell you, I watched the entire game into overtime. You all just, you were just pure excellence on that court. I mean, but going into overtime, I was literally, my husband and I, on the edge of our seats. And of course, you know, you got it among your so, so talented team. You got that lefty and it just was, I mean, what you all did as a team and coach. I saw your interview afterwards. Just being so cool and calm and collected. So I just have to call you all to tell you. I'm, I'm just, you made me proud and you just, you made history for Grambling and as a fellow, HBCU, proud HBCU graduate I just had to let y'all know. Um, that you've got fans all over the place, including in the White House. So congratulations for last night.”