Archie Manning, a former player for the New Orleans Saints, considers the passing of famous coach.
According to a statement acquired by the Associated Press, famed HBCU coach and College Football Hall of Famer Doug Porter’s career was briefly discussed by New Orleans Saints great and chairman of the National Football Foundation Archie Manning. Porter, who was ninety-four, departed this life on June 5.
The National Football Foundation established the College Football Hall of Fame, and Porter was inducted into it in 2008. He was the oldest Hall of Fame member still alive.
Archie Manning, chairman of the National Football Foundation, described Doug Porter as “a remarkable man who crafted an impressive career in coaching and athletics administration among the HBCU ranks.” “A superb football strategist, he was an elite recruiter who genuinely cared about his players and enabled them to achieve success.”
Porter began playing football at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans as a quarterback. Porter dedicated his career to coaching HBCU sports after serving in the US Army, where he attained the rank of first lieutenant.
Porter spent nine seasons at Grambling State University as an assistant coach under the legendary Eddie G. Robinson. Due to his coaching abilities, he was hired by Howard University and Mississippi Valley State University before settling down permanently at Fort Valley State University.
Porter told the Washington Post in 1979, “I wanted to come to Fort Valley because of the sensible approach they have to their program.” “This system makes it easier for the coach to watch the youth in the program develop. From the perspective of making the most of our players and the resources available to you, that is crucial. It is a framework that I am at ease with.
During his tenure as the Wildcats’ head coach from 1979 to 1985 and 1987 to 1996, Doug Porter accomplished remarkable accomplishments. With an incredible 112-66-3 record, he cemented his status as FVSU’s coaching titan. Porter guided the squad to six SIAC championships and two NCAA postseason trips while winning the SIAC Coach of the Year award seven times. In his 26-year coaching tenure, he only had five losing campaigns.
Porter was a successful sports administrator who led Fort Valley State’s athletic department for 16 years. He was a major factor in the Wildcat athletic program’s transition to Division II play and in bringing women’s volleyball to the school in 1985, which increased the number of sports available.
Beyond his remarkable achievements and honors, Doug Porter left a lasting legacy. He had a profound effect on the lives of his players, pupils, instructors, staff, and former students. Former player and FVSU alumnus Jeffery Parlor remembers Coach Porter with fondness, saying, “He left a lasting impact on not only his players, but all students, faculty, staff, and alumni.”
