MCKINNEY- Scott Parr is no stranger to the Lone Star Conference but it’s been over a decade since he’s been a part of the much different league that he left.
This past Thursday, at McKinney ISD Stadium, Parr was re-introduced to the LSC on a statewide scale as a part of LSC Media day as the head football coach at Texas A&M-Kingsville.
Parr was named the Javelinas coach back in December after spending the past three years as the Louisiana Tech co-offensive coordinator.
“There were many reasons Kingsville was the right fit for me,” Parr said. “It opened up an opportunity to be an offensive head coach and it has a lot of tradition. There are a lot of positives and a chance to advance a great program. I’m very happy to be back in the LSC. Some of my best memories come from this conference. I like the LSC recruiting model Kingsville is a program with a lot of potential right now.”
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Prior to his three years at LA Tech, Parr is West Texas through and through. The Plainview graduate comes from steeped coaching lineage as the son of Steve Parr. Steve coached 31 years at Slaton, Plainview and is most popular around these parts for his work at Palo Duro High School. Scott’s younger brother Seth is arguably the most popular of the Parrs in the Amarillo-area coaching at Caprock, Lubbock Coronado and then leading Anna to the 2024 UIL state championship.
In fact, because of all the success in the game of football, Scott will stand alongside his father, Steve, and his brother Seth when all three go into the Plainview High School Hall of Fame during the Bulldogs home football game on Oct. 31 against Wichita Falls Memorial.
“That’s going to be pretty special and it’s something we’re all looking forward to,” Parr said. “Thinking about my dad especially and the sacrifices he made and the town of Plainview itself. That is an awesome community. There have been some great players and people to come through that school so for all three of us to be honored like that is truly special.”
Parr also spent time at West Texas A&M as an assistant under Don Carthel from 2006-2009 where he’s never forgotten those days of watching the Buffs become a success story in such a flurry.
“There are a lot of great memories from West Texas A&M,” Parr said. “I feel I was rewarded this job at Kingsville because of my days at WTAMU. We coached 13 offensive players that were on NFL rosters. It’s carried me for a long time. I love this conference because they play with a chip on their shoulders. They appreciate playing football and are hungry to get better.”
From WTAMU, Parr ventured to Tommy Tuberville’s staff at Texas Tech as a quality control coach before landing his first head coaching job at Navarro College. Through his 26-year coaching career, one thing Parr can say, is it doesn’t matter what level you’re at, coaching is coaching and it’s up to you to make that program successful.
“Just because you’re a Division I coach doesn’t make you the best coach,” Parr said. “My brother Seth is one of the best coaches I know and he’s in the high school world. Being in Division I does bring me a lot of confidence but coaching football isn’t rocket science. I think it’s just confidence and the amount you invest into the job and I’m always trying to build that confidence and be the best I can at it.”
Parr has hit the ground running at Kingsville since his arrival in December. Parr is taking over a team that won seven games last year but only returns seven starters which isn’t uncommon in today’s football landscape.
“I’m very optimistic entering the season but everyone is in July,” Parr said. “We have talent and depth on this team. I don’t know this conference well right now. It’s easy to be saying how good you are now and then in three months everything changes. We just want to keep getting better starting in fall camp and step up to the challenge.”
One player Parr did bring in is 6-foot-5 senior quarterback Jack Turner. Turner has been with Parr from Navarro College to LA Tech where he played in six games for the Bulldogs last season to now the starter at Kingsville.
“I love coach Parr,” Turner said. “We’ve built such a great trust together. “He has always believed in me and I’ve appreciated that from him. Him believing in me has grown my confidence throughout my college career. I love how coach Parr challenges players and gets the most out of you. He wants you to always improve and I love his offensive mentality. He always has attack mindset.”