A.J. Parnell was named Head Football Coach at Azusa Pacific University on June 6, 2025 and is tasked with leading the revival of Cougar Football as the program returns to competition in Fall 2026. A veteran leader with over a decade of coaching experience across NCAA Division II and III, Parnell brings a reputation for program building, player development, and Christ-centered mentorship to his new role. Known for his offensive innovation and transformational leadership, Parnell embodies the vision and mission of APU Athletics—fusing competitive excellence with spiritual formation.
Parnell arrives at APU after serving as the quarterbacks and running backs coach at NCAA Division II Winona State University in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Prior to that, he spent seven seasons at Bethel University (Minn.), where his impact helped elevate the program into a perennial Division III powerhouse. During his tenure, the Royals earned four NCAA DIII playoff appearances, two trips to the national quarterfinals, and captured the 2023 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Championship. As Bethel’s offensive coordinator, Parnell developed one of the most dynamic units in the nation, averaging over 33 points and 405 yards per game. Under his guidance, multiple athletes earned All-American honors, including Gagliardi Trophy finalist quarterback Jaran Roste.
Before entering the college ranks, Parnell made a name for himself as a high school coach in his native Washington. He began his career at his alma mater, Juanita High School, before being named head coach at Lake Washington High in 2014. There, he inherited a struggling program and transformed it—growing participation from 30 to over 100 athletes and earning KingCo 3A/2A Coach of the Year honors in 2015. His impact reached beyond the scoreboard, creating a community-centered football culture that inspired even former NFL quarterback Steve Pelluer to join his coaching staff.
As a student-athlete, Parnell was a four-year quarterback at Bethel University, graduating in 2005. He went 7-3 as a starter during his career and posted standout performances, including a 220-yard, two-touchdown outing against Buena Vista. His playing background, combined with a collaborative and positive coaching style, has shaped him into a respected developer of leaders—on and off the field.
Now at the helm of Azusa Pacific Football, Parnell will guide the program’s re-launch as it transitions to NCAA Division III. He is currently focused on building his coaching staff, recruiting student-athletes who align with the university’s mission, and establishing a foundation rooted in excellence, integrity, and discipleship. His appointment represents a new era for APU Football—one that honors the past while looking boldly toward the future.
"A.J. Parnell is a culture-builder with a Division III pedigree," said APU Director of Athletics Gary Pine. "He understands what it means to lead in a Christ-centered environment and is passionate about mentoring student-athletes to become the best versions of themselves—spiritually, academically, and athletically."
Parnell’s family legacy at APU runs deep, as his older brother Josh played for the Cougars in 2001 before transferring to Pacific Lutheran. A.J. and his wife, Kristi, have two sons, Mason and Landry, and will relocate to Azusa ahead of the 2025–26 academic year. The Parnell family looks forward to becoming an integral part of the Cougar community as A.J. prepares to lead Azusa Pacific Football into its next chapter.
