Douglas T. Porter, former Fort Valley State head football coach, dies at 94

FVSU mourns the loss of Douglas T. Porter, Hall of Fame coach and administrator

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Fort Valley State University is mourning the death of Douglas T. Porter, a former head football coach and administrator.

He died on Wednesday, June 5, at the age of 94, according to fvsusports.com.

The Memphis, Tennessee native had a storied career as a player, coach and administrator.

He served as the quarterback at Xavier University of Louisiana before joining the United States Army, where he reached the rank of first lieutenant. His career in athletic administration began as the athletic director at Mississippi Valley State University. He later held the same position at Howard University from 1974 to 1978 before moving to Fort Valley.

Porter’s tenure as head football coach at Fort Valley State University spanned two periods, from 1979 to 1985 and from 1987 to 1996. He compiled a coaching record of 112-66-3 at FVSU and was named SIAC Coach of the Year seven times. Porter also served as FVSU’s Athletic Director for 16 years, chaired the Division II Football Committee and was president of the National Athletic Steering Committee.

Porter 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,” Jeffery Parlor, a former player under Porter and 1985 FVSU graduate, said.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.