Parker played defensive back for Michigan State. He was first team all-Big Ten in 1983, 1984, and 1985. Parker was defensive MVP at Michigan State in 1983 and 1985. Parker was also named MVP of the 1984 Cherry Bowl. He was invited to the Hula Bowl after his senior season.
Parker began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Michigan State. He then spent 11 seasons as a defensive backs coach for the University of Toledo. Following the retirement of Hayden Fry, Parker joined the coaching staff of Kirk Ferentz at the University of Iowa in 1999. He then spent 13 years as the defensive backs coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator following the departure of Norm Parker.