College University Athletics, College/University News

Mississippi State Football Coaching Staff Revamp

News Summary

Mississippi State University is making significant changes to its football coaching staff after a challenging season. With new hires like Phil Loadholt and Vincent Dancy, along with the return of former player Erroll Thompson, the Bulldogs are gearing up for a promising future. These updates reflect the university’s commitment to enhancing its football program, with hopes to turn the tide in the upcoming seasons.

Big Changes on the Horizon for Mississippi State Football

Starkville, Mississippi, is buzzing with excitement as Mississippi State University shakes things up in its football coaching staff following a tough season-ending defeat to Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl. With fresh faces taking on pivotal roles, fans are hopeful that these changes will spark a new era of success for the Bulldogs.

Meet the New Coaches

Among the most notable hires are Phil Loadholt and Vincent Dancy, both coming straight from Colorado’s coaching squad. Loadholt, who has extensive experience coaching offensive lines, has been named the new offensive line coach. A former left tackle at Oklahoma, Loadholt was drafted in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings and played a solid seven seasons in the NFL.

Loadholt isn’t a stranger to head coach Jeff Lebby; the two have previously teamed up at UCF, Ole Miss, and Oklahoma. His deep understanding of the Bulldogs culture and the offensive scheme has brought enthusiasm among the coaching staff as Loadholt moves in to replace Cody Kennedy.

Dancy will oversee the defensive ends and outside linebackers. Hailing from Noxubee County and proud of his roots, Dancy started his coaching journey at Jackson State before moving up the ranks. Having worked as both a safeties coach and head coach at Mississippi Valley State, he’s returning to his home state after a stint at Colorado as the defensive quality control coach.

Bringing Expertise and Experience

Trainer Paul Rhoads is stepping into the role of senior defensive analyst. With a wealth of experience that spans several prestigious institutions, including a notable seven-year run as head coach at Iowa State, Rhoads has proven himself as a valuable asset in college football. He also brings hands-on experience from assistant roles at places like Utah State, Ohio State, and Auburn, making him a seasoned addition to the Bulldogs’ staff.

Rhoads marks a return to college coaching after a stint at Gulf Shores High School in Alabama, where he undoubtedly left a positive impact. His addition is expected to provide deep insights and enhance the defensive strategies of the team.

A Familiar Face Returns

Adding to the excitement is the return of former linebacker Erroll Thompson, who is stepping in as the linebackers assistant coach. After a stellar collegiate career at Mississippi State, where he earned All-SEC honors and tallied impressive career statistics, Thompson’s return signifies a full-circle moment that fans and players alike can rally behind.

Shifts in Local High School Coaching

Meanwhile, the local high school football scene is also seeing movement, with Chris Jones, the respected head coach of Starkville High School, taking the reins at Hinds Community College. Over eight successful seasons, Jones led his team to three state championship appearances and a championship title in 2022, with a remarkable winning record of 84-25.

These shifts in the coaching landscape—both at the college and high school levels—signal a commitment to building a stronger football program at Mississippi State. Fans are eagerly anticipating how these new hires will impact the team’s performance in the seasons to come.

The Future Looks Bright

As the Bulldogs gear up for a new season, the changes to the coaching staff have injected a fresh sense of hope into the program. With coaches who understand the culture, the game plan, and the community, Mississippi State is poised to take on challenges in the upcoming seasons. The shift from old to new is always a part of growth, and Mississippi State is gearing up for a bright future.