Career
He was drafted in 1958 by the NFL Washington Redskins, but did not play. He signed as a free agent with the American Federation of Labor-Congress"s Broncos in 1961. He was the defensive coordinator of the Houston Oilers in 1972
Simpson began his pro career in Canada with the Montreal Alouettes, playing 42 games from 1958 to 1961.
Jackie also played briefly with the Calgary Stampeders in 1961, but left to finish the season with Denver.
Following his American Federation of Labor-Congress career with Denver and Oakland, Simpson went back to the Canadian Football League in 1965, and played with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and completed the season with the Toronto Argonauts. Jackie served as an American Federation of Labor-Congress scout in 1966, and after the American Federation of Labor-Congress-NFL merger, he was rehired by the San Diego Chargers to work in the personnel department.
Sid Gillman found Simpson to be a valuable asset, and hired him as a linebacker coach in 1967. He remained in that position for 5 years, and then in 1972 was hired as the Houston Oilers defensive coordinator.
Jackie left Houston to spend one year (1973) as linebacker coach with the Saint Louis Cardinals.
Simpson was rehired by the San Diego Chargers as defensive coordinator in 1974, and held that position for 7 years. The team was very successful, and made the playoffs in 1979 and 1980, including the January 1981 AFC championship game. Jackie Simpson coached for the Seattle Seahawks, serving as defensive coordinator during the 1981-1982 seasons.
He was beginning his final coaching job, again as defensive coordinator, with the Detroit Lions, when he suddenly died on June 2, 1983.