Former Purdue interim coach Gerad Parker hired at Duke

Mike Carmin | Journal & Courier

LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Gerad Parker, Purdue's interim head football coach for the last six games in 2016, has landed at Duke.

According to the school’s website, Parker is listed as an offensive assistant.

Former Boilermaker offensive line coach, Jim Bridge, is the Blue Devils' assistant head coach overseeing special teams and tight ends. Didn’t hurt Parker had a connection to the program.

Purdue athletic director Mike Bobinski appointed Parker interim coach after firing Darrell Hazell in October. Parker was part of Hazell's original coaching staff in 2013, serving as recruiting coordinator, tight ends and receivers coach during his four seasons.

Parker was announced as Cincinnati’s running backs coach in January but resigned in February to accept a job as receivers coach at East Carolina.

However, Parker was charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated in West Lafayette in February. East Carolina decided not to hire Parker following his arrest.

Parker should have an opportunity to return to a full-time, on-field position after this season since the NCAA is allowing programs to add a 10th assistant coach.