Jackson hung up the boots after 241 games and with a year to run on his contract, opting not to usher in a new era under rookie coach Cameron Ciraldo.

The Bulldogs' general manager of football Phil Gould had previously hinted on social media that Jackson would remain involved with the club but his appointment was not publicly announced until Wednesday evening.

Jackson graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport in 2017 and has also studied towards a Graduate Certificate in High Performance Sport.

The 31-year-old said he looked forward to putting his studies to use under high-performance manager Travis Touma.

"I'm really grateful that I'm able to stay on with the club in the strength and conditioning role. It's made the transition (into retirement) really easy for me," Jackson said.

"I'll still be around footy and around the boys and staff. So, I'm really looking forward to and excited about the next chapter.

"I'm excited to work with Travis and I think what excites me the most is being able to have a hand in the development of younger players."

Canterbury are hoping Jackson can leverage his experience as the club's fifth-most capped player of all time in his new role.

"We have seen his value, his work ethic, and what he can bring to his teammates well beyond his post as a captain and player," Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton said.

"To retain him in the blue and white is a huge win for us."

The Bulldogs are expected to announce their new captain in 2023, with Reed Mahoney, Josh Addo-Carr, Luke Thompson and Matt Burton among the candidates to replace Jackson.

Australian Associated Press