Lance Pogue, who took over as Columbia’s head football coach last May and led the Wildcats to an 8-4 season in 2024, is leaving the program after one season, the school announced. Pogue will be named the next head football coach of Brandon.
Pogue inherited a team fresh off of a Class 4A State Championship appearance in 2023, leading the 2024 squad to a Region 7-4A championship and the second round of the playoffs, falling to eventual state champion Poplarville 21-20.
“Coach Lance Pogue’s arrival in Columbia at the end of May 2024 was a game-changer for our football program. A proven winner with an outstanding career record, five state championships, a national title and recognition as National Coach of the Year, he brought an unmatched level of leadership and experience to the Wildcats,” Columbia School District Superintendent Jason Harris said in a statement Monday. “His ability to develop a competitive, disciplined team in such a short time speaks volumes about his coaching pedigree. Columbia’s proud football tradition was strengthened under his leadership.
“As Coach Pogue moves on to lead the Brandon Bulldogs, we know that he will continue to build champions on and off the field. Columbia is grateful for his time and dedication to our football program.”
School sources told the C-P that the process to hire Pogue’s replacement is expected to take shape “soon.
