Following one of the most successful tenures in Columbia Wildcat history, Chip Bilderback stepped down as Columbia’s head football coach after six seasons to accept the same position at St. Frederick (La.).
Bilderback joins his wife, Missy Bilderback, and son, Drew Bilderback, in Monroe, La. where Missy serves as the head women’s basketball coach at Louisiana-Monroe. Despite enjoying his time in Columbia, Bilderback couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be with his family once again.
“The most exciting thing is being with my family. This is 100% a family move,” he said Tuesday. “I’ve had a lot of opportunities to leave Columbia, but I never wanted to leave Columbia. Just with Missy (Bilderback) being at Monroe and Drew being there, that’s what it’s really about.”
Bilderback went 69-12 in his six seasons leading the Wildcats, and he immediately turned them into contenders in Class 3A before moving up to Class 4A. His Wildcats won the 2021 Class 4A State Championship – Columbia’s second in school history – and his teams reached four South State championships with two victories. His players saw individual success as well as team success, as 25 Wildcats signed collegiate scholarships under his watch.
The new St. Frederick’s head coach said it’s not the facilities that makes Columbia High special, for it’s the people and the administration that he credits for the success of the school.
“People want to know what makes Columbia special – people think it’s the facilities or the school – it’s the people that are involved with the school from the administration, to the teachers, to the players and the coaches,” he explained. “That’s what makes Columbia special.
“Columbia is such a special place, and it’s never been about Chip Bilderback. It’s always been about the Wildcats, and that’s what makes it special. … There’s no place like Columbia High School in Mississippi. I believe that with my whole heart, and my family does too. It’s been a special time here that we will always cherish.”
Bilderback said he planned on finishing spring practice with the Wildcats, but St. Frederick’s needed to make a move after its head coach left, prompting an early announcement.
In a press release, Columbia Superintendent Jason Harris said Bilderback will be missed at Columbia, and the search for a new head coach is already underway.
“As Superintendent, I am deeply grateful for Coach Bilderback's unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of our students,” Harris said in the release. “His impact reaches far beyond the football field, touching the lives of all in our Wildcat community. His foundation of merit, success and excellence will continue to thrive through all who have coached, played and worked with him.
“The search for a new Head Football Coach has already begun, and we are committed to finding a leader who will build upon Coach Bilderback's outstanding legacy while continuing to uphold the values of excellence and sportsmanship that define our program.”
