All-American LaQuentin Black is returning to his alma mater as the 14th head football coach in Missouri Valley College history. The announcement was made Thursday by MVC President Joe Parisi.

Black, who graduated from Missouri Valley in 2012 and was a leader on a Vikings team that went to the national semifinals, starts his job February 1. Black will immediately begin assembling his coaching staff, and directing his focus on recruiting. Black says he’s looking forward to the opportunity and wants to do everything he can to make the program and his players successful.

Most recently, Black was the safeties coach at Northern Iowa, and he has also coached at national champ Hutchinson Community College, Troy University and Central Methodist University. Some of Black’s top priorities include community service and a commitment to academic success.

Black was a first-team all-American defensive back at MVC, and he led the NAIA in kickoff returns in 2012, averaging 35.9 yards per return.

Black replaces Casey Creehan as the Vikings’ head coach. Creehan accepted a job in professional football that he said he couldn’t pass up. He said the job allows him to spend more time with his family in Florida.

Photo courtesy of Missouri Valley College