Michael Jackson, a 1987 Russellville graduate, received his degree from North Alabama. After college, he served as an assistant coach at Russellville from 1993-2002 when he accepted the head coaching position at Buckhorn before the 2002 season. He compiled a 53-47 record during his time at Buckhorn, including a trip to the state championship game during his fourth season as head coach.

Jackson remained at Buckhorn until he was hired to replace Doug Goodwin as Russellvilles head football coach in March 2011. In three seasons at Russellville, Jackson compiled an 18-15 record before stepping down following the 2013 football season.

He was hired as the head football coach at Red Bay in the summer of 2014 where he remains today. His overall record in 17 seasons as a head football coach stands at 113-76 through the 2018 season.