JACKSON, TN — Virginia Union University’s head football coach, Dr. Alvin Parker, has been named the Black College Football Hall of Fame National Coach of the Year, it was announced by the Black College Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, June 8, in Atlanta, Ga.
Parker completed his sixth year leading his alma mater and turned in one of the best seasons in school history. Virginia Union went 10-2, won the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title and appeared in the NCAA Division II playoffs. A former running back for the Panthers, Parker began his coaching career at Virginia Union in 1999 as an offensive assitant. He coached running backs for two years, then became the offensive coordinator for the 2003 season.
In January of 2024, Coach Parker was named to the Board of Trustees of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). He then was co-head coach for the 2024 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl.
“Thank you to the Black College Football Hall of Fame for this extremely prestigious award,” said Parker. “It is all made possible by having the Best administration, the Best staff, and of course the Best student-athletes. To be mentioned with some of the greats who have won this award is truly a blessing. As I always say I’m just doing my part for #PLAY411”
Virginia Union will kick off the 2024 football season when the Panthers travel to Frankfort, Ky., to face Kentucky State University at 3 p.m. on August 31.