Isaac Parker named Head Coach of Bearcat Football

SALEM, Ore. -- Isaac Parker '02, MAT'05 has been named Willamette University's new head football coach. Since 2015, he has been the offensive coordinator for Lewis & Clark College's football team, after three seasons as head football coach at McNary High School in Keizer, Oregon.

Parker also brings recruiting and player-development experience to the role.

"We are very excited to have Isaac returning to Willamette to lead our football program," says Rob Passage, director of intercollegiate athletics. "Not only does he bring outstanding teaching and coaching experience, he also adds a tremendous passion for building community within the program, the university and Salem."

As an undergraduate, Parker was a member of Willamette's 1999 Northwest Conference championship football team and participated in the NCAA Division III National Playoffs.  A two-year team captain, he also received All-NWC honors twice during his career.

"I experienced a Willamette University that was formative for me in my life," Parker says. "The summation of my experiences at Willamette — in the classroom, on the football field, in the campus community and in the community of Salem — molded me to be ready for life."

Parker continues, "In a way, Willamette's motto, 'Not unto ourselves alone are we born,' reinforced my Hawaiian-cultured upbringing, which was to build 'ohana', family, wherever I go."

Parker starts his new role on Dec. 5, 2018.