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New Orleans Saints great and National Football Foundation chairman Archie Manning briefly reflected on the career of legendary HBCU coach and College Football Hall of Famer Doug Porter, per a statement obtained by the Associated Press. Porter passed away on June 5th at the age of 94.
Porter was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008, which was founded by the National Football Foundation. He was the oldest living member of the Hall of Fame.
“Doug Porter was a remarkable person, crafting an impressive career in coaching and athletics administration among the HBCU ranks,” National Football Foundation chairman Archie Manning said. “A great football mind, he was a top-flight recruiter who cared deeply about his players and put them in a position to succeed.”
Porter started his college football career as a quarterback at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans. Following his service in the United States Army, where he rose to the rank of first lieutenant, Porter committed his career to coaching in HBCU athletics.
Porter served as an assistant coach under the renowned Eddie G. Robinson at Grambling State University for nine seasons. His coaching prowess led him to roles at Mississippi Valley State University and Howard University before finding his long-term home at Fort Valley State University.
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“I wanted to come to Fort Valley because of the sensible approach they have to their program,” Porter said in a quote obtained by the Washington Post in 1979. “The system here gives the coach a better opportunity to see the young people grow in the program. That is important from the standpoint of getting the most out of our players and the resources you have to work with. It is a framework with which I feel comfortable.”
Doug Porter, as head coach of the Wildcats from 1979 to 1985 and 1987 to 1996, achieved unprecedented success. He compiled a remarkable 112-66-3 record, solidifying his reputation as a coaching giant at FVSU. Porter earned the SIAC Coach of the Year award seven times and led the teams to six SIAC titles and two NCAA playoffs appearances. Throughout his 26-year coaching career, he experienced only five losing seasons.
Porter succeeded as an athletic administrator, serving as the athletic director at Fort Valley State for 16 years. He played a vital role in steering the Wildcat athletic program towards Division II competition and introduced Women's Volleyball to the university in 1985, expanding its sports offerings.
Doug Porter's legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics and accolades. He left a lasting impact on the lives of his players, students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Jeffery Parlor, a former player under Coach Porter and a 1985 graduate of FVSU, fondly recalls, “He left a lasting impact on not only his players, but all students, faculty, staff, and alumni.”
