James A. Stevens

James Alexander Stevens ( – August 5, 1983) was an American football, basketball, and track and field coach, athletics administrator, and educator. He coached at Prairie View A&M University, where he was credited for building the program's "dynasty" in its "glory years." He later went on to coach at North Carolina College at Durham—now known as North Carolina Central University.

Early life and education A native of St. Louis, Stevens earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg—now known as Pittsburg State University—and a Master of Science at the University of Southern California (USC).

Coaching career Prairie View A&M Stevens was the seventh head football coach at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas, holding that position for three seasons, from 1949 until 1951. His record at Prairie View was 24–7.

North Carolina College In 1965, Stevens was named the tenth head football coach at North Carolina College at Durham—now known as North Carolina Central University. He held that position for three seasons, from 1965 to 1967, compiling a record of 10–15–2.

Later life, family, and death After retiring from coaching, Steven's remained a member of the faculty at North Carolina College until 1981. He died at the age of 76, on August 5, 1983, at Durham County General Hospital.

Stevens was married to Jocelyn Cain, who died in 1980, and had two sons.

Head coaching record College football