Virginia Union University Assistant Head Football Coach Edward Pointer has been named the Division II National Assistant Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association.  Pointer received his award at the AFCA Honors Luncheon, held on Monday, January 8, during the 2024 AFCA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

Pointer played linebacker for Virginia Union from 1994-97, then coached linebackers for VUU for the next six years …  In 2018, Pointer returned for his third coaching stint with Virginia Union, where he has remained the last 6 years … He has served on the AFCA Technical Manual Committee since 2012 … He is the treasurer of HOME TEAM Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization with access to high quality sports programs … Under Pointer in 2023, VUU's defense ranked third in the nation in total defense and No. 1 against the run … He has coached 24 All-CIAA players and two NFL players … His defense helped lead the way for Virginia Union to claim the 2023 CIAA Conference title, making that his fifth time to coach in a CIAA conference championship game (2000, '01, '03, '06, and 23).

"This is an exciting day for VUU football," said VUU Head Football Coach Dr. Alvin Parker.  "Coach Pointer is one of the best assistants in the country, and I am extremely appreciative of the AFCA for acknowledging all of the hard work and dedication he gives to our program. His defense put up record numbers in route to us winning the CIAA championship. Coach Pointer is very deserving of this great honor."