Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins, who won a championship with the Boston Celtics during the 2007-08 season, has agreed to take on the role of general manager for the men’s basketball program at Jackson State University in Mississippi.
ESPN.com broke the story on Friday, reporting that Perkins — who currently serves as an analyst for the network — plans to hold onto his television position while also building ties with the university’s broadcast and journalism program.
Jackson State has not yet issued an official statement about the hire. In his new role, Perkins will work alongside newly appointed head coach Trey Johnson and athletic director Ashley Robinson. The Tigers struggled last season, finishing with a 12-21 record, and the program has not appeared in the NCAA Tournament since 2007.
Perkins had a lengthy professional career spanning 14 seasons in the NBA, suiting up for the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, and Cleveland Cavaliers. He captured his championship ring with the Celtics and transitioned into broadcasting when he joined ESPN in 2019.
