Football

Elvin J. James Named 33rd Livingstone Football Coach

December 16, 2009

SALISBURY, NC – Elvin J. James has been named the 33rd head football coach at Livingstone College, it was announced Wednesday by Athletic Director, Dr. Darren J. Hamilton.

James comes to Livingstone from Elizabeth City State University where he is currently the Assistant to the Athletic Director. James last coached in 2006 when he was the coach of the offensive line at John A. Holmes High School in Edenton, NC.

“I am truly excited about the opportunity that I have been given and I look forward to the challenge in front of me,” James said. “I want to bring the spirit and excitement that was prevalent in the late 90’s back to the Livingstone football program.”

James had two different stints as a coach for the Elizabeth City football team, first from 2000-2002 when he was the Offensive Line Coach and again from 2003-2005 when he again coached the offensive line, but was also the assistant head coach and recruiter.

A total of 12 years were spent by James at Goldsboro High School in Goldsboro, NC where he was the head coach first from 1988-2000 and then again from 2002-2003. In his 12 seasons at Goldsboro, James finished with a record of 79-69-1 with nine state playoff appearances and two Mid-Eastern AAAA Conference Championships in 1994 and 1995. Prior to being named the head coach at Goldsboro James spent two seasons as an assistant coach for the team.

James’ got his coaching start at North Caroline High School in Denton, MD in 1983 where he was an assistant football coach.

For his work as a coach at the high school level, James has been the recipient of multiple awards. In 1996, James was named the USA Today Weekend Magazine’s “The Most Caring Coach in America.” Additionally, in 2007, James was a finalist for the NFL High School Coach of the Year. James was nominated for the award by former player and current Tennessee Titan David Thornton.

James is taking over a Livingstone program that has won only three contests over the past three seasons and is coming off a 2009 campaign where the Blue Bears went 0-10. The last winning season for the Blue Bears came in 1998 when they went 7-3 and won their second straight CIAA Conference title.

“I’m going to work to change the attitude of the student-athletes,” James said. “I believe that students have the potential to do anything they want to through faith. I believe in taking ordinary people and getting them to do extraordinary things.”

“I’m a firm believer in the concept of the student-athlete,” James said. “My first priority for my student-athletes is to have them graduate. Second, I want them to play good football. Third, I want them to fully enjoy their college experience.”

James was a four-year letter winner at Elizabeth City State University where he played as a defensive tackle and an offensive guard. James also signed with the Boston Breakers of the United States Football League as a free agent in 1982.