Jackson retired following the 1976–77 season, and was named head coach of the Great Falls Americans of the WHL prior to the 1979–80 season, his team going 2–25–1, until it folded on December 26, 1979. For the next two seasons, Jackson coached the Brandon Wheat Kings, and then served as their general manager for two seasons following that. Prior to the 1985–86 season Jackson joined the Minnesota North Stars as an assistant coach, and would stay with the franchise in one capacity or another until September 1, 1999, when he joined the Atlanta Thrashers as assistant general manager. On July 6, 2000, Jackson rejoined the Dallas Stars, and was named interim co-general manager (along with Brett Hull) on November 13, 2007, and on May 22, 2008, the "interim" was removed from their title as both wer