Former CFL defensive back Billy Parker joins coaching staff at William & Mary

Photo: William & Mary. Photo edit: 3DownNation.

Former CFL defensive back Billy Parker has joined the defensive coaching staff at the College of William & Mary where he will work with the team’s nickelbacks.

The six-foot, 195-pound defender played eight seasons with the Montreal Alouettes from 2009 to 2016 and recorded 321 defensive tackles, seven special teams tackles, 14 interceptions, and six forced fumbles over 129 career games. He won two Grey Cups with the team and spent two years with the club following his retirement as a defensive assistant coach.

The 41-year-old played at William & Mary from 1999 to 2003 prior to entering the professional ranks and was twice named first-team all-conference as a defensive back.

“Bill has a clear passion for working with student-athletes and was impressive in every interaction we had with him throughout the hiring process,” said head coach Mike London in a statement. “Since entering the coaching ranks, Bill has been dedicated to honing his craft and has done so in a diverse set of experiences.

“Further, as an alumnus of our program, he has a clear understanding of what it takes to be successful in an environment that is challenging for championships while also expecting excellence in the classroom. I believe he is uniquely qualified to make an immediate impact and we are extremely excited to welcome him back home.”

Parker spent the past three years at the Virginia Military Institute in a number of different roles, including a stint as interim head coach. He has also previously coached at South Carolina State (2019) and for the Tampa Bay Vipers of the XFL (2020).

William & Mary is located in Williamsburg, Va., which is 80 kilometres southeast of Richmond. Other notable CFL alumni from the school include Mike ‘Pinball’ Clemons, Steve Christie, and Adrian Tracy.