An HBCU football coaching legend has passed away.
Douglas T. Porter, former head football coach and administrator, passed away on June 5, 2024. He was 94. Coach Porter had a reputable playing and coaching career.
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Porter served as the quarterback at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans. After serving our country in the United States Army and reaching the rank of first lieutenant, he spent his entire in HBCU athletics. He was appointed athletic director at Mississippi Valley State University. After serving at Mississippi Valley, he served at Howard University from 1974 to 1978 before landing in Fort Valley.
The HBCU product coached Fort Valley State University from 1979 to 1985 and again from 1987 to 1996, compiling a head coaching record at FVSU of 112-66-3. Porter was a seven-time SIAC Coach of the Year and served as Athletic Director for 16 years while acting as the chairman of the Division II Football Committee and as president of the National Athletic Steering Committee. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and the FVSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.
“He left a lasting impact on not only his players, but all students, faculty, staff, and alumni,” states Jeffery Parlor ’85, and former player under Coach Porter. The Lomax-Porter Charity Golf Tournament, which is held annually, is named in honor of Porter and former football and basketball coach Stan Lomax ’43 (1923-2018).
In addition to his B.S. degree from Xavier, he held an M.S. degree from Indiana University. Doug Porter forged an indelible coaching and administrative career for more than fifty years. Funeral arrangements and celebration of life details are forthcoming