Buddy Stephens finds new means of coaching at EMCC
SCOOBA, Miss. (BVM) — One could see while watching the Netflix series “Last Chance U” that playing for East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) head football coach Buddy Stephens would be strenuous. But no matter the sport, a head coach is expected to lead their team to greatness. Stephens has done that for nearly 15 years.
Before EMCC
Before his coaching career began, Stephens played football at Pearl River Community College. For two years, he’d play as an offensive lineman for the Wildcats. Stephens would finish his playing career at Delta State University.
Following his playing days, Stephens quickly entered the coaching world. With a degree in education, Stephens aimed to become one of the best coaches in football. He started at the high school level before accepting a job at his alma mater, Pearl River CC. For seven seasons, Stephens served as an assistant coach. With the Wildcats, Stephens saw them post an overall record of 60-12. Those seven seasons also included a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) championship in 2004 and Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) titles from 2003-06.
EMCC
Following the 2007-08 season, Stephens was on his way to Scooba to take over for a football team that hadn’t had a winning season in a decade. Stephens quickly turned the program around, and the Lions became one of the most formidable football teams in the NJCAA.
In his second season (2009-10), the Lions captured a conference title after only making one state playoff appearance in school history. Stephens and the Lions would solidify their legacy in the next four seasons by capturing three national championships, with back-to-back titles in 2013 and 2014. In those four seasons, the squad had a combined record of 44-2.
With two national championships in Scooba, Stephens aimed to win his third. And those around the nation would soon learn more about the team from Scooba.
“Last Chance U” covered Scooba for two seasons, and Stephens’ name became more familiar across the country. The Lions had a 19-2 combined record but could not capture a national title in those two seasons.
Although Stephens’ fiery attitude was front and center in the show, Stephens is still thankful for the time on the show.
“It was a humbling experience for me,” Stephens said in an interview with eTeamSponsor. “Along the way, you have to be committed to what you need to do to make your program run.”
Immediately following the time on “Last Chance U,” Stephens and the EMCC Lions reached glory once again as they captured back-to-back titles, only dropping one game in two seasons.
Where is Stephens now?
Stephens can still be seen on the sidelines at EMCC. And with five national championships and three NJCAA Football Coach of the Year awards in Scooba, he is still as driven as ever to help the Lions succeed on the football field.
But more importantly, he is trying to better himself as a man and coach. By doing that, Stephens will only become better at the job he currently does effectively. With his experience, expect Stephens and future Lion athletes to continue to achieve greatness.
