Courtesy of Virginia Union University
Virginia Union University, a Division II HBCU that just made an impressive run in the playoffs, is overlooked by the change.
Numerous sources show that the head coach Dr. Alvin Parker is seriously interested in multiple jobs at an FCS HBCU. Meanwhile, several key players entered the transfer portal after the program was eliminated from the playoffs against national runner-up Valdosta State in the third round.
A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth, Parker compiled a 50-17 record in six seasons as head coach. He has never finished with a lower than 6-4 record and his team has made the Division II playoffs in each of the past three seasons. VUU went 20-6 over the last two seasons, winning the CIAA both seasons. The 2024 season saw VUU come away with road playoff wins against Wingate and Lenoir-Rhyne.
There are now three HBCU openings at the FCS level – Alabama A&M and Mississippi Valley in the SWAC and Delaware State University in the MEAC. Sources indicate Alabama A&M and Delaware State are interested in Parker.
If Parker returns to Virginia Commonwealth next season, it likely won’t be a staple of the program. VUU’s all-time leading rusher, running back Jada Byers, has exhausted his eligibility and is headed to the NFL draft. Meanwhile, wide receiver Reginald Vick Jr. and several talented teammates such as defender William Davis have hit the transfer window in recent days and are attracting interest from some of the highest levels of football.
There is no doubt that Virginia Union will be fielding new names next season. The question is who will be the head coach at Richmond HBCU next fall.
