Eddie Pierce is a very talented coach, and he has already received numerous offers from high schools in Mississippi.  Looking back over the span of his career at Jones, we can honestly say, "Job Well Done Eddie Pierce."  

   We are appreciative of the program he built through his tireless efforts and outreach to our student athletes both on and off the field.   Because of our strong commitment to character and hard work, our football players come to us as young men and leave us as better men.  In large part, we pay tribute to Coach Pierce for his role in that. 

   Coach Pierce leaves behind a legacy that we are confident will continue to thrive.  As we transition to a new head coach, we will continue our commitment to inspiring greatness.  

  Yesterday, we released the specifics of the search process for a new head football coach.  Mike Frascogna, an experienced sports law attorney and author of both high school and JUCO athletics books, is leading the search committee for us.  Interested applicants are encouraged to visit our website at www.jcjc.edu/football/ or www.jcjcathletics.com  
under "Announcements" for details on the process.  

   We've included a candidate packet online that includes the history of Bobcat Football, our philosophy, coaching expectations, and the items that interested individuals should submit to the law firm of Mike Frascogna.  The search is open through December 19, 2011.  At that time, the search committee will present a list of finalists to the college.   

  Once the finalists have been selected, a preferred candidate selection committee will be appointed. This committee will be charged with interviewing and selecting our next head coach from the group of finalists.  

  We are looking for someone with a positive, realistic outlook for our football program who will be involved with the community. We are looking for a coach who will emphasize discipline, both on and off the field, who values academics and will work hard to ensure our student-athletes graduate.

  Our returning football players and our new recruits are valuable and a priority to us.  We will ensure they all receive the highest level of coaching and support.

 
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The full story is available on our website at www.jcjcathletics.com.   

Pierce enjoyed success as the Bobcat head coach, posting a 36-21 record. He guided JCJC to a 9-2 record and a second place finish in the MACJC South Division and the state in 2007, a 7-2 record in 2008 and a 6-4 mark and a playoff berth in 2009.

JCJC posted a 6-3 record this past season.

"This year's team is a very special group of guys," Pierce said. "They are just a super bunch."

He replaced Parker Dykes as JCJC's coach in 2006. Prior to that, Pierce had served as an assistant at Jones since 1996.

"When you look at the number of years Coach Pierce has coached at Jones, you will see that he has been a major part in continuing the JCJC winning tradition," said JCJC athletic director Katie Herrington. "Coach Pierce has made a difference in young men's lives, both on and off the playing field. We appreciate his hard work, his dedication to JCJC athletics and his encouragement and support to all of our sports and coaches."

The Leakesville native played on two state championship teams for head coach Sim Cooley in 1978-79. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1982.

"Of course, I am really going to miss Jones," said Pierce. "I got to play on two state championship teams under Coach Cooley and I was very fortunate to be able to come back here and be an assistant coach and a head coach.

"It is a very special place to me and I am hoping they can win championship after championship in the future."

Pierce began his coaching career at George County High School from 1983-88. He became defensive coordinator at Magee High School in 1989, helping the Trojans to the 3A state championship that year. He became head coach at Mendenhall High School in 1990, leading the Tigers to the South State 3A championship game.

Pierce became a graduate assistant at Mississippi State University in 1991, working with the offensive line. In 1992, he worked with the secondary at MSU. The Bulldogs participated in the Liberty Bowl and Peach Bowl in his two seasons at MSU.

Pierce was defensive coordinator at East Mississippi Community College in 1993-94 and served as outside linebacker coach at Alabama-Birmingham in 1995 before coming to JCJC the following season.

"I am saddened by his decision in stepping down, but support him in the decision he has made," said Herrington. "I know he will be successful in whatever he pursues.

"At this point, we now begin the search for the next head football coach. We are committed to find the best man for this job."

Pierce said he enjoyed his tenure as head coach and praised the efforts of Dr. Smith and Herrington at JCJC.

"Dr. Smith and Coach Herrington were just super to work for and be around," he said. "Dr. Smith gave us the resources to be successful and was a big supporter of the program.

"But I believe it's time for me to move on and I can leave on my own terms."