HAMPTON, VA (WTKR)- After one of its worst football seasons in program history, Hampton University has turned the page.
The Pirates announced Friday afternoon that they have hired longtime college assistant Van Malone as their next head coach. He will be introduced at 1 p.m. Monday on-campus.
“Hampton University is a place of purpose, pride and possibility. My staff and families are beyond excited to begin our journey together,” said Malone in a university release. “With the Hampton Nation, we will build a program rooted in leadership, accountability and service --- a family committed to excellence on-and-off the field. Our mission is simple: develop men, elevate our community and compete for championships one relationship at a time.”
Malone has spent the last seven seasons as an assistant at Kansas State, most recently serving as the assistant head coach, defensive pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach. He joined the college coaching ranks in 2003 and has a resume that includes stops at Oklahoma State, SMU and Mississippi State.
“Throughout his career, Coach Malone has created a winning philosophy and will provide tremendous leadership to the young men in our program. The hallmark of his teams has been their physical brand of football,” Hampton Director of Athletics Anthony Henderson added. “We are proud of our rich tradition in football. Hampton has won seven Black College National championships, 19 conference titles, and earned invitations to five FCS Championships. We are looking forward to Coach Malone continuing that record of success in the football field and in the classroom.”
During his time with the Wildcats, who finished 6-6 this season, he helped the defense grow into one of the Big 12's best, especially the defensive backs. From 2022-2024, Kansas State forced 62 turnovers, ranking tops in the conference during that span. 39 of those turnovers were interceptions by Malone's cornerbacks.
The new Hampton head coach put together a strong playing career as well, suiting up as a defensive back at Texas before an NFL stint with the Detroit Lions from 1994-1997.
Malone will mark the third head coach at Hampton during the course of the last four seasons and takes over for Trent Boykin, who was fired after two seasons at the head of the program. The Pirates finished 2025 with a 2-10 record, their worst showing since joining the Division I level. The team has lost 14 of its last 16 games dating back to last season and ended the campaign on a six game losing streak.
