Belhaven athletics photo

Belhaven announced that head football coach Blaine McCorkle is stepping down from his position at the helm of the Blazers' football program to depart for the same position at Division I FCS Northwestern State University (La.).

McCorkle led the Belhaven program for six seasons including the team's transition to full NCAA Division III status in 2019.

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He takes over a program in Northwestern State which lost its coach and canceled the end of its season after the killing of a player in October.

Across six seasons under McCorkle the Blazers went 31-25. He departs as the program's winningest head coach in its 26 seasons. Belhaven is coming off the most successful season in program history winning a record nine games and taking home the USA South title, the first outright conference championship in program history, and advancing to the playoffs, where the Blazers lost at No. 1 North Central in the first round.

Belhaven athletic director Scott Little expressed his appreciation for McCorkle's dedication to the program and accomplishments during his tenure, saying "The work Coach McCorkle has directed the last six years has eternally impacted so many, both on and off the field. I will forever be thankful for his commitment to our young men and an experience of excellence. He, his staff team, and our student-athletes have created a championship culture for our football program, and we wish Blaine and Gina the Lord's peace and direction for this new chapter of their lives."

The search for a new coach will begin immediately.