Lance Pogue, who led South Panola to a national title and five state titles and was named National Coach of the Year by USA Today, has been hired to replace Chip Bilderback as the new head coach of the Columbia Wildcats football program.
Replacing Bilderback as head coach of the Wildcats may have seemed like a daunting task for the Columbia School District and Superintendent Jason Harris, but they landed one of the best coaches in Mississippi history with Pogue. In 23 years as a head coach at South Panola, Jackson Academy, Eupora, Heritage Academy and Winona, he compiled a 238-67 record.
“On behalf of the Columbia School District, it is my great pleasure to welcome Coach Lance Pogue as our new Head Football Coach and Athletic Director,” Harris said in a statement. “Coach Pogue brings an outstanding record of success and a wealth of experience to our district.”
Pogue’s 2010 South Panola squad was recognized as the national champions by USA Today, Rivals and MaxPreps. On top of receiving National Coach of the Year honors by USA Today, he was also tabbed Russell Athletic Coach of the Year, Clarion Ledger Sportsman of the Year and is a member of the Holmes Community College Hall of Fame. He served as an assistant coach for the Under Armour All-American Game and as head coach in Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game.
“We are excited to see the positive impact Coach Pogue will have on our football program and our student-athletes. His commitment to excellence and education aligns perfectly with our district’s values, and we look forward to supporting him as he leads our teams to new heights,” Harris said in his statement.
A graduate of Eupora High School, Holmes and Delta State, Pogue has been married to his wife, Dixie, for 29 years, who he shares two children, Tyler and Maleah, with.
Bilderback resigned as Columbia head coach May 14 to become the head coach at St. Frederick in Monroe, La., where his wife, Missy, is the head coach of the Louisiana-Monroe women’s basketball team.
