Stephens inducted into NJCAA Football Coaches Association HOF
Charlotte, NC – The NJCAA has announced one honoree to be inducted into the NJCAA Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. One coach has been selected to join the 2024 class. Read below for more on Buddy Stephens.
Buddy Stephens | Coach | East Mississippi Community College
Buddy Stephens is the current head football coach at East Mississippi Community College. Entering his 17th season with the Lions, Stephens has a coaching record of 143-23 with a .856 winning percentage. Under his leadership the Lions have captured five NJCAA National Championships, nine Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) State Championships, and 10 MACJC North Division Championships. The Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) was formerly known as the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC).
Stephens has been named the NJCAA Football Coach of the Year three times, NJCAA Region 23 Coach of the Year eight times, American Community College Football Coaches Association (ACCFCA) Coach of the Year two times, and JUCO National Coach of the Year twice. He ranks fourth among NJCAA's winningest active head football coaches, 27th among NJCAA all time wins, and fifth in Mississippi junior college most wins.
On average 25 East Mississippi Community College football players move on to a four-year and as many as 25 of Stephens former players have been in the NFL, UFL, CFL, or IFL. Under his guidance, nine players have been drafted in the NFL. Stephens has also coached 35 NJCAA All-Americans and nine All-America quarterbacks.