"The Fall of a Football Legacy: Mississippi College's Decision"

Reasons for Discontinuation

The school's decision to eliminate the football program was based on the need to further its commitment to excellence in intercollegiate Division II play across its 17 remaining sports. By focusing resources on these other sports, the institution aims to enhance the overall athletic experience and pursue much-needed facility upgrades. This strategic move is seen as a step towards the future growth and development of the college.

However, for the players, coaches, and fans who have been closely associated with the football program, this decision is a bitter blow. The program had a season with a record of 2-8 and suffered a heartbreaking 20-14 loss in its final game against Delta State. The hard work and dedication of the team over the years now seem to be in vain.

Coach's Perspective

Coach Mike Kershaw expressed his shock and disappointment in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). He said, "Sitting here shocked would be an understatement of the news our team received today from our administration. It is horrible for these kids that because of poor decisions from people now 105 kids and coaching staff's lives are about to change."

His main concern is to find a new home for the players, as he believes they have the talent to play at various levels. He urged anyone with questions about the players to reach out to him, emphasizing that these are good kids who will bring value to any program.

Player Reactions

Players have taken to social media to voice their reactions to the program's elimination. Kicker Price Nixon called Mississippi College "cowardly leaders" and wrote, "Mississippi College football has just been killed this morning by an inept school administration. They failed not only the athletes but the legacy of players, coaches and a community that had stood behind this team for decades. The administration couldn't even show their faces."

In another post, he added, "Cowardly leaders jeopardized the livelihoods of our coaches and the careers and effort that everyone on this team and staff has put into this school and team. The president didn't even have the courage to show his face to the team."

Eli Anderson, the leading passer for Mississippi College, also expressed his heartbreak in an X post, saying, "My heart breaks for my teammates and this coaching staff. This is absolutely wild."