Spending nearly two decades at North Salinas likely wasn't the plan when he took the reigns of the girls basketball team.
Yet, it's where Jackson expects to finish his career. Unfinished business remains on his plate.
Which says a lot when you consider the Vikings have made 17 playoff appearances in his 18 years, have won eight league titles and three section crowns.
"It's about more than just winning,'' Jackson said. "It's about giving an opportunity to help women grow. I do what my heart feels. I have a few years left in me.''
Jackson is building a legacy of his own at North Salinas, coming into this season with 368 wins and five consecutive Gabilan Division titles.
"We don't get special kids,'' Jackson said. "It's about believing in them. You don't need a superstar to win. Support them when they struggle. I believe in these kids.''
Perhaps. But the last five Herald Players of the Year have come from North Salinas. Three of them are playing college basketball.
Jackson is constantly revamping the Vikings. He's not afraid to bring underclassmen up and give them expanded roles. Rebuilding the program is not an option.
"I don't know what that word means,'' Jackson said. "Rebuilding is a person trying to save their job. You can't rebuild when you've never been broken down.''
Five sophomores and three freshmen are the heart of the Vikings lineup this winter as well, with freshmen Natalie Morales and Nevah Black leading the team in scoring.
"We don't need to rebuild if we get in the gym and do our job,'' Jackson. "I don't go by age. If a freshman can help, I'm bringing them up.''
Seven years ago Jackson brought up five freshmen that were proclaimed the 'Jackson 5'. Before the five graduated, two Central Coast Section Division I titles were claimed.
"I believe in putting the best talent on the court from Day 1 and letting them grow with me,'' Jackson said. "I just feel they will get to a higher level quicker.''
It's hard to argue with the results as North Salinas has captured 22 or more games four straight years and is 93-13 during that span.
"The program sells itself,'' Jackson said. "The kids know I'm going to work you. But I am there to support you. One thing I promise my kids is I will always be fair.''
With three losses eight games into the non-league schedule, North Salinas has already matched last season's entire loss total.
And that's fine with Jackson, whose three losses are to teams a combined 20-3. The team will close the preseason in the prestigious St. Francis Tournament.
"The objective is to improve,'' Jackson said. "You can learn from a loss. The kids have to trust the process. We're putting in a lot of hard work. We're getting better.''
While Jackson is high on Morales and Black, he has a pair of junior guards that will provide production in Maxine Tennant and Destiney Urzua.
The pair each had sisters that went through the program and helped North Salinas to a pair of section titles. Leadership will come from senior Arianna Gonzalez.
Jackson likes quick lineups to press and push, meaning you could see four guards on the court at once when North Salinas is in an up-tempo mood.
"I believe the kids came into the season with the mindset to get better,'' Jackson said. "We will accomplish that. By league, you'll see the team you have been seeing the last five years.''
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