18-year vet Buddy Stephens out as EMCC head coach

Key Points:

• Buddy Stephens, five-time national champion and head coach at East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) for 18 years, has been replaced as head coach by associate head coach Preston Rice, who will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
• Stephens led EMCC to an overall record of 155–31, with national championships in 2011, 2013-14, and 2017-18, but his current employment status with the school is unclear.
• The coaching change follows Stephens' public criticism of EMCC and MACCC leadership regarding football scheduling and playoff changes, which the college strongly disavowed as inconsistent with its values of professionalism and respect.
• EMCC President Scott Alsobrooks issued a statement condemning Stephens' remarks as personal attacks that do not reflect the college’s mission, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to a respectful and collegial environment.
• Stephens has not responded to multiple requests for comment from The Dispatch.