EMCC parts ways with Buddy Stephens, promotes Preston Rice to interim head coach
East Mississippi Community College fired longtime football coach Buddy Stephens, naming associate head coach Preston Rice interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Rice, who was EMCC’s quarterbacks coach in 2025 and briefly OC at Shorter before returning in June, was chosen by athletics leadership after Cade Wilkerson’s promotion. The move follows Stephens’ 18-season tenure and his fame from Netflix’s Last Chance U; EMCC President Scott Alsobrooks disavowed Stephens’ recent critical comments about league leadership. EMCC opened the 2026 season with a 14-6 win over Southwest Mississippi, with a home opener against Hinds upcoming.