Earnest Collins, Jr. enters his second season as Head Coach at Alcorn State University.. Last year, he served as the Defensive Coordinator/Associate Head Coach for the Braves. Prior to joining the Braves’ staff, Collins spent a year coaching the Secondary for the University of Central Florida, where the Knights ranked 3rd in the C-USA defensive statistics and #1 in the nation in INTs. Collins began his collegiate coaching career as a student assistant at Northern Colorado in 1995, moved to Northwest Missouri State University as a Secondary/Assistant Special Teams Coach from 96-99. During those four seasons with the Bearcats, they won four conference and two NCAA Division II National Championships (1998, 1999). After leaving Northwest Missouri, Collins returned to his alma mater, the University of Northern Colorado as the Secondary Coach/Special Teams, Strength and Conditioning and Film Coordinator during 2000-2002. While there he helped shaped a defense that was ranked nationally from 2000-2002. When Coach Collins departed from the Bears, he became a part of the University of Kansas coaching staff. From 2003-06, he served in the capacity of the Special Teams Coordinator and Cornerbacks Coach. During this tenure, he organized the “Character First” and “Mentors” program. Also, the Jayhawks’ defense was ranked 3rd in the Big 12, and 20th in the nation. Collins began his collegiate playing career at the University of Northern Colorado (1990-94) as a defensive back and punt returner. He earned All-North Central Conference honors following his senior year. He once held the Northern Colorado records for career (967) and season (497) punt return yards. Collins received his B.A. in Kinesiology (Physical Education) from the University of Northern Colorado. In 2000, he received his M.S. in Athletic Administration from Northwest Missouri State University. He is married to Tabatha, and they have two daughters, Tayler and Marci.