JACKSON, Miss. – Belhaven University Athletics announced today that Head Football Coach Blaine McCorkle is stepping down from his position at the helm of the Blazers' Football program to depart for the same position at Division I Northwestern State University (La.).
Coach McCorkle led the Belhaven program for six seasons including the team's transition to full NCAA Division III status in 2019.
Across six seasons under McCorkle the Blazers went 31-25 and he departs as the program's winningest head coach in its 26 seasons. Belhaven is coming off the most successful season in program history winning a record nine games and taking home the USA South title, the first outright conference championship in program history.
Belhaven Director of Athletics Scott Little expressed his appreciation for Coach McCorkle's dedication to the program and accomplishments during his tenure, saying "The work Coach McCorkle has directed the last six years has eternally impacted so many, both on and off the field. I will forever be thankful for his commitment to our young men and an experience of excellence. He, his staff team, and our student-athletes have created a championship culture for our football program, and we wish Blaine and Gina the Lord's peace and direction for this new chapter of their lives."
Belhaven University President Roger Parrott also expressed his appreciation for Coach McCorkle saying, "The very best football coaches positively strengthen the lives of their players before they focus on winning games. Blaine McCorkle has invested his energy, passion, wisdom, and strong faith in our players to equip them to become men of integrity, service, and significance. In prioritizing his influence among our student-athletes, before the Xs and Os of coaching football, we have won a bunch of a games and a conference championship! I'm deeply grateful for the joy to work with Blaine through these years, and I know he will bring that same level of quality and commitment to the Division I program at Northwestern State."
The search for a new Head Coach of the Belhaven Football program will begin immediately.
