Lance Pogue, Brandon football coach, resigns during first season

Brandon football coach Lance Pogue has resigned.

Pogue, in his first season leading the Bulldogs, stepped down during Week 9 of the Mississippi high school football season, he confirmed to the Clarion Ledger on Oct. 21.

Brandon (3-4, 1-1 MHSAA 7A Region 3) comes off a 27-21 loss to Petal on Oct. 17. Brandon has four losses for the first time since 2020. The school named defensive back coach Eugene Clinton the interim coach, according to Pogue.

“The negativity just sucked the life out of us,” Pogue told the Clarion Ledger. “Love the players and coaches dearly.”

Pogue took over Brandon on March 24 after replacing Sam Williams, who spent four seasons with Brandon.

Brandon was the MHSAA 7A runner-up in 2024 after a 28-16 loss to Tupelo in the state championship game. He’s a five-time state champion with South Panola in Class 5A and 6A, where he coached from 2007-2016 and had a 126-17 record.

The 24-year coach had stints at Heritage Academy, Jackson Academy, Eupora and Winona, with a combined 246-71 overall record and a 45-16 playoff record throughout the state. His first head coaching position was at Winona in 1993.

Brandon will be on the road in Hattiesburg to face region rival Oak Grove (5-3, 1-1) on Oct. 24.

Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez.