FERRUM, Va. -- Dave Harper has announced his resignation as Head Football Coach at Ferrum College. Harper recently finished his fifth season as head coach, but previously served 20 years as an Assistant Coach.

A 1989 Ferrum graduate, Harper was a four-year standout linebacker and two-time All-American. He began his coaching career in 1989 at Davidson College, where he spent two years as an assistant before returning to Ferrum to assume a position with the football staff.

Harper spent three years at Ferrum as an assistant coach under legendary coach Hank Norton and the next 17 years under Dave Davis. During that tenure, he served stints as Defensive Coordinator and Offensive Coordinator. Harper was Associate Head Coach from 2001 to 2010.

Harper was named head coach at Ferrum in 2011, following Davis' retirement. In his first two seasons, he led the Panthers to a 14-6 mark and earned a share of the 2012 USA South title. Harper posted a 19-31 record in five seasons as head coach. A national search will begin immediately to replace Harper.