A.J. Parnell was named head football coach at Azusa Pacific University on June 6, 2025, and will lead the revival of Cougar Football as the program returns to competition in Fall 2026. A veteran coach with experience across NCAA Division II and III, Parnell is known for his program-building ability, player development, and Christ-centered leadership.
Parnell comes to Azusa Pacific after serving as quarterbacks and running backs coach at Winona State University (2024), where he helped guide an offense that produced 4,100+ total yards and averaged 374 yards per game. He coached All-NSIC selection Cair’ron Hendred and mentored five Academic All-NSIC student-athletes.
Prior to Winona State, Parnell spent seven seasons at Bethel University (Minn.), including three as offensive coordinator (2021–23). During his tenure, Bethel became a perennial Division III contender, reaching the NCAA Playoffs four times, making two Elite Eight appearances, and winning the 2023 MIAC Championship.
As offensive coordinator, Parnell led one of the nation’s most balanced and productive offenses, averaging over 33 points and 400+ yards per game. His 2022 unit ranked 25th nationally in red zone offense and featured the only pair of 1,000-yard receivers in Division III. Across multiple seasons, Bethel ranked first nationally in sacks allowed per pass attempt.
Parnell began his Bethel tenure coaching defensive line and coordinating special teams (2017–20), leading the MIAC in sacks (46) in 2018 and producing six Special Teams Players of the Week. The defense ranked among the conference’s best in run defense in consecutive seasons (2018–19).
A proven developer of talent, Parnell has coached numerous All-Americans and award winners, including quarterback Jaran Roste, a Gagliardi Trophy finalist and MIAC Offensive Player of the Year; defensive lineman Kyle Kilgore, an AFCA All-American and Cliff Harris Award finalist; offensive lineman Travis Sinclair, a First Team AFCA All-American; and wide receiver Joey Kidder, a D3football.com All-American.
Before entering the college ranks, Parnell spent nine years coaching high school football in Washington. He served as head coach at Lake Washington High School (2014–16), where he rebuilt the program, led the team to the district playoffs, and was named KingCo Coach of the Year in 2015. He previously coached at Juanita High School, his alma mater.
Parnell played quarterback at Bethel University (2002–05), where he was part of an NCAA Playoff team in 2003. Over his career he compiled a 7–3 record as a starter. He also was named to the AFCA Good Works Team and was a nominee for the Draddy Trophy (Academic Heisman) in 2005.
A native of Kirkland, Washington, Parnell holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Bethel University and a master’s degree from Walden University. He and his wife, Kristi, have two sons, Mason and Landry and live in Glendora, CA.
