Legendary head football coach Doug Porter has passed away at the age of 94. Coach Porter's life and career left an indelible mark on the world of college football, particularly at Fort Valley State and Howard University.

Porter began his college football journey as a quarterback at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans. After serving in the United States Army, and eventually achieving the rank of first lieutenant, Porter dedicated his professional life to coaching in HBCU athletics.

Porter made a significant impact as an assistant coach under the legendary Eddie G. Robinson at Grambling State University for nine seasons. During this period, he helped develop an offense featuring future Pro Football Hall of Famer Charlie Joiner and quarterbacks James “Shack” Harris and Doug Williams, the first black quarterback to win Super Bowl MVP.

Porter's association with Coach Eddie Robinson at Grambling was a source of pride and credibility throughout his career. Reflecting on this connection, Porter once said, “Even when I got to Fort Valley, the lead story was always that I was formerly an assistant under Coach Eddie Robinson. That’s what they would start with. That gave you credibility, the fact that you had worked with Coach Rob.”

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.

“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.”

From 1979 to 1985 and then again from 1987 to 1996, Doug Porter served as the head coach of the Wildcats and led the program to unprecedented success. compiling a remarkable record of 112-66-3. His tenure at FVSU solidified his reputation as a coaching giant, earning him the SIAC Coach of the Year award seven times. Under his leadership, the teams clinched six SIAC titles and made two appearances in the NCAA playoffs. In his 26-year head coaching career, he only had five losing seasons.

Porter also found success as an athletic administrator. He served as Fort Valley State's athletic director for 16 years. He playing a crucial role in guiding the Wildcat athletic program to Division II competition. He introduced Women's Volleyball to the university in 1985, further enhancing the institution's 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.”

Porter's contributions to college football were recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and the FVSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.