ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins is expanding his career beyond broadcasting. He has accepted a role as the men’s basketball general manager at Jackson State, while also contributing to its broadcast and journalism program.
Perkins is set to play a major role in Jackson State’s NIL strategy as he steps into a leadership position with the program.
Jackson State GM Kendrick Perkins Responds to Fan Criticism Over New Role
Jackson State’s basketball program was disappointing to say the least, posting a 12-21 record. They haven’t made the NCAA Tournament since 2007, but they hope to get a legitimate recruit with Perkins now factoring into the program’s recruiting strategy, just as they did with Deion Sanders in football.
His move places him alongside other NBA figures who have taken on college-related roles, including Shaquille O’Neal, Stephen Curry, John Wall, and Damian Lillard.
The announcement quickly drew mixed reactions online, and one fan posted criticism.
“Good, get perk off my screen,” the fan wrote.
However, Perkins clapped back with a strong response.
“That won’t be happening,” Perkins wrote.
That won’t be happening
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) June 21, 2026
Perkins is also close with Coach Prime, whose arrival in 2020 raised the program’s national profile. Sanders inherited a football program that had gone 23-44 since 2014 and turned their fortunes around, going 27-6 overall before moving to the Colorado Buffaloes.
Perkins worked closely with new Jackson State coach Trey Johnson and athletic director Ashley Robinson to finalize the role. Johnson himself is a relatively new face in the role, having been promoted after Mo Williams’ departure.
Both Perkins and Johnson share the same agent, and discussions about the partnership had been ongoing before the announcement. Johnson reportedly began working with Perkins immediately once the news became public.
The move has already generated buzz, with ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith reacting positively and praising Perkins for his leadership style and influence on young players.
“Haaaaa! My man Big Perk @KendrickPerkins is the new GM of an HBCU! Love it! If there’s anyone who’d be no-nonsense and make sure these kids know the real and have their heads on straight, it’s Big Perk. Proud of you, bro!” Smith posted.
Perkins made the jump to the NBA directly from high school in 2003 and went on to win a championship in 2008 as the starting center for the Boston Celtics. He also played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Since retiring, Perkins has become a prominent ESPN analyst but is expected to continue his media duties while taking on this additional role at Jackson State.
