Cornelius Cooper was the 13th head college football coach for the Prairie View A&M University Panthers located in Prairie View, Texas and he held that position for two seasons, from 1980 until 1981. His career coaching record at Prairie View was 4 wins, 16 losses, and 0 ties. As of the conclusion of the 2007 season, this ranks him 15th at Prairie View in total wins and 15th at Prairie View in winning percentage (0.200).