LORMAN — Alcorn State has extended the contract of head football coach Earnest Collins by three years.

The Braves (3-6, 3-4) sat alone in first place in the Eastern Division midway through the season after being picked to finish last. Alcorn couldn’t hold on, but a win against Jackson State gave the program three wins for the first time since 2006 when the team finished 6-5.

Collins coached the Braves this season on a one-year deal, following the firing of former coach Johnny Thomas and weeks of turmoil within the program.

“We are delighted that Coach Collins will continue to lead the Alcorn State University Braves football program,” said Mrs. Brenda T. Square, interim director of athletics. “He and the entire football staff share the University’s vision for excellence and they care about the welfare of our student-athletes both on the field and in the classroom.”

In 2008, Collins served as the defensive coordinator/associate head coach for the Braves. Prior to joining the Braves’ staff, Collins spent a year coaching secondary for the University of Central Florida, where the Knights ranked third in the C-USA defensive statistics.

Collins began his collegiate coaching career at Northwest Missouri State University as secondary/assistant special teams coach from 96-99. During those three seasons with the Bearcats, they won two NCAA Division II National Champions (1998, 1999). After leaving Northwest Missouri, Collins returned to his alma mater, the University of Northern Colorado as the coordinator-secondary/special teams, strength and conditioning and film during 1999-2003.

During his tenure there, he helped shape a defense that was ranked nationally from 2000-2003.

When Collins left the Bears, he became a part of the Jayhawks coaching staff. From 2003-06, he served in the capacity of the special teams and cornerbacks coach.

Collins began his collegiate playing career at the University of Northern Colorado (1991-94) as a defensive back and punt returner.

He earned All-North Central Conference honors following his senior year.

He currently holds the Northern Colorado records for career (967) and season (497) punt return yards. Collins received his bachelor’s in kinesiology (physical education) from University of Northern Colorado. In 2000, he received his master’s in athletic administration from Northwest Missouri State University.