WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (June 14, 2017)—William & Mary head football coach Jimmye Laycock has announced the hiring of Christian Parker as the team's cornerbacks coach.
 
Parker joins the Tribe's staff after a two-year stint as an assistant at Norfolk State where he coached the safeties in 2015 and the defensive backs in 2016. Additionally, he served as the recruiting coordinator both seasons. 
 
Honored as a 2017 AFCA/NCAA 30 Under 30 Coaches Leadership Institute selection, Parker helped NSU rank among the top 10 nationally in interceptions (18), pass efficiency defense (106.9) and passing yards allowed (171.1) last season. All three figures led the MEAC.
 
The successful 2016 campaign came one year after the Spartans ranked second in the league in interceptions.
 
Highlighting the individual players who benefited from Parker's tutelage were Sandy Chapman and Brandon Walker, who both earned All-MEAC honors last season. Chapman ranked second in the league in interceptions (5) and third in PBUs (12).  
 
Parker's recruiting efforts were also recognized, as Boxtorow ranked both of his recruiting classes in the top four among all HBUC's. NSU's 2016 class ranked as the best in the MEAC and third among HBCU's, while the 2017 class ranked second and fourth, respectively.
 
Parker was hired by NSU after a successful two-year stint helping mentor defensive backs at Virginia State University.  Parker served as the cornerbacks coach at VSU in 2014 after working as a defensive graduate assistant in 2013. 

The VSU secondary played a key role in the Trojans' defensive success in 2013 and 2014, when the Trojans went 19-4 and 15-0 against CIAA competition. VSU's defense ranked in the Division II top 20 in total defense in both 2013 (12th) and 2014 (20th). Also in 2014, the Trojans led the CIAA and ranked 12th nationally with 18 interceptions, and ranked 17th nationally in pass defense (174.2 ypg allowed) en route to a 10-3 overall record, the CIAA title and a first-round win in the Division II playoffs. 

Parker coached an All-CIAA first-team performer in both of his years with the Trojans, mentoring Sean Smith in 2013 and Darion Thomas in 2014.

A native of Glen Allen, Va., Parker is a 2013 graduate of the University of Richmond with a degree in political science. He was a wide receiver and cornerback for the Spiders and was a member of CAA championship teams in 2009 and 2012. He also ran track for UR.
 
He is the older brother of current W&M safeties Corey Parker and Collin Parker.