A.J. Parnell has been named the next head coach of Azusa Pacific football, in anticipation of the program’s return to the field in fall 2026 as announced by university leadership today.
A veteran coach with deep experience in both NCAA Division II and III football, Parnell brings more than a decade of coaching expertise with a proven track record in player development, offensive innovation, and championship culture-building. He most recently served as the quarterback and running back coach at Winona (Minn.) State University, a DII school in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. He previously spent seven seasons on staff at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, helping lead the program to four NCAA DIII playoff appearances, two elite eight finishes, and a 2023 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship.
I’m honored and humbled to take on the responsibility of leading the return of Azusa Pacific football, said Parnell. "This program has a rich tradition, and I’m excited to contribute to its legacy. As we enter this new era of Division III, we are committed to upholding the high competitive standard that Cougar football has always represented. APU is an incredible community, and my family and I are excited to be part of the mission to help students know and follow Jesus!"
During his time at Bethel, Parnell led offenses that consistently ranked among the top in the nation, including two 1,000-yard receivers in a single season and multiple All-American honorees. His background also includes high school head coaching experience in Washington state, where he earned 3A/2A KingCo Coach of the Year honors in 2015. As a former collegiate quarterback at Bethel, Parnell is known for developing leaders on and off the field.
Coach Parnell is a culture-builder with a Division III pedigree,” said Gary Pine, APU’s Director of Athletics. “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. He’s the right person to lead Cougar football into its next chapter.
Azusa Pacific, which last competed in football in 2020 as an NCAA DII program, will return to the gridiron in Fall 2026 as an NCAA Division III program. Parnell will spend the next year recruiting, hiring staff, and preparing for competition with a foundation rooted in excellence and transformational leadership.
“We are thrilled to welcome A.J. Parnell and his family to the APU community,” said Keith Hall, EdD, vice president for student belonging / CDO and special assistant to the president. “APU football is more than a sport — it’s a platform for ministry, mentorship, and mission. Coach Parnell shares our vision to create a program that prioritizes faith, character, and belonging while building a winning team and culture that will translate to thriving in the classroom and on the field.”
A native of the Seattle area, Parnell began his coaching career at his alma mater, Juanita High in Kirkland, Wash., where he served as an assistant coach for six years before taking over as the head coach of crosstown rival, Lake Washington High, in 2014. In 2015, he was named the KingCo 3A/2A Coach of the Year.
“Coach Parnell has a compelling vision for APU Football and will build and lead a program that will become a destination of choice for student-athletes who desire a rare blend of life transformation, faith development, and competitive college football in Southern California,” said Coba Canales, Dean of Spiritual Life. “He brings a brilliant football mind, a collaborative spirit, and a positive leadership style all of which will wonderfully contribute to our campus culture.”
After three years at the Kangaroo helm, Parnell entered the college ranks, returning to Bethel in 2017 as the defensive line coach and special teams coordinator. Four seasons later, in 2021, he was named the Royals’ offensive coordinator and promptly created one of the MIAC’s most prolific attacks which averaged over 33 points per game in the course of a three-year span. His 2022 Royal offense averaged over 405 yards a game while he tutored Gagliardi Trophy Finalist QB Jaran Roste.
“I'm absolutely thrilled for AJ and for APU as they relaunch their football program,” said Bethel Athletics Director Greg Peterson, a former Royal football coach and player. “I had the privilege of coaching A.J. years ago, and later the joy of coaching alongside him and then watching him lead Bethel’s offense with excellence. His energy, passion, and deep commitment to shaping young men are truly contagious. I have no doubt that he will build a football program at APU marked by Christ-centered excellence and lasting impact.”
A 2005 Bethel graduate, Parnell was a four-year quarterback for the Royals. He fashioned a 7-3 record as a starter. During his senior campaign he completed 74-of-135 passes for 915 yards and six TDs. His finest outing may have come in a 34-24 victory over Buena Vista in which he completed 14-of-24 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns.
Parnell’s older brother, Josh, played football at Azusa Pacific in 2001 before transferring to Pacific Lutheran. AJ and his wife, Kristi, have two sons, Mason and Landry, and will be relocating to Azusa this summer. He is expected to begin assembling his coaching staff immediately and spearhead recruiting efforts throughout California and beyond.
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