The Troy Trojans officially have a new head coach, handing Notre Dame offensive coordinator Gerad Parker the keys to a program that has enjoyed immense success under Jon Sumrall the past two seasons.
Welcome to the Troy Family, @GeradParker1!
📰 – https://t.co/bA6eCjL6HK#OneTROY ⚔️🏈 pic.twitter.com/ttBGpQWCe1
— Troy Trojans Football 8x⚔️ (@TroyTrojansFB) December 18, 2023
Sumrall, who had led the Trojans to back to back Sun Belt titles and double digit win seasons, took the open job at Tulane a couple of weeks ago. In Sumrall’s first season last year, Troy won 12 games including a Cure Bowl victory over UTSA.
Parker, a 42-year-old former wide receiver who made the transition into coaching after an injury-stricken playing career at Kentucky, has had many stops over his career.
While most recently serving as Notre Dame’s offensive coordinator and a huge part of the success Sam Hartman saw this season in an Irish uniform, he has also had stops at West Virginia, Penn State, Purdue, and Marshall before beginning his coaching career in the high school ranks.
Interestingly enough, Sumrall and Parker were actually teammates at Kentucky back in the early 2000s.
🗣️ Jon Sumrall shares his praise for Gerad Parker and his addition to the Troy Football program. #OneTROY ⚔️🏈 pic.twitter.com/iAEXgnA4C7
— Troy Trojans Football 8x⚔️ (@TroyTrojansFB) December 18, 2023
Troy Athletics Director Brent Jones also offered his thoughts on his newest hire:
“Gerad Parker is a proven winner with an infectious personality and passion for success who has significant experience at some of the best programs in America,” Jones said.
“He understands the commitment to excellence that we have at Troy University and embraces the total student-athlete experience. His proven pedigree will maintain our status as the leader in the Sun Belt Conference and the Group of Five. Gerad’s energy and dedication to building relationships with the community, fans and student-athletes will resonate with all of Trojan Nation.”
Troy will take on Duke in the Birmingham Bowl on Saturday at 11 a.m CT in a game that will be coached by defensive coordinator Greg Gasparato.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP
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