Former East Mississippi Community College football coach Buddy Stephens is protesting his firing from the school.
Stephens, a five-time national champion who took the sports world by storm during the first two seasons of Netflix’s “Last Chance U,” was terminated in August after 18 seasons with the Lions’ program. His firing stemmed from critical remarks he made about his employer and the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges following the adoption of a new playoff format.
The football coach notably referred to the leaders who altered the postseason as “idiots” during EMCC’s media day before the season.
Jim Waide, Stephens’ attorney, argued that the coach’s comments are constitutionally protected and that his firing was a “grave disservice to the public service and football community” of Mississippi. Waide added that Stephens is exploring legal options after losing his job.
“Coach Stephens has built an extraordinary legacy, including five national championships, and his contributions to the athletes, programs, and communities he has served cannot be overlooked,” Waide said. “His recent comments regarding the operation of the playoff system addressed a matter of public concern and represented his right to express his views under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Buddy intends to do everything possible to rectify the wrong.”
EMCC President Scott Alsobrooks was among the leaders to restructure the postseason. He publicly disavowed Stephens’ remarks and issued a formal apology on behalf of the school.
The new playoff format eliminates the four-team conference playoff. Now, the North and South Division champions will play each other for the state title. The decision to remove the semifinals leading up to the championship game followed the adoption of a 10-game regular season.
In the meantime, former EMCC offensive coordinator Preston Rice has been named Stephens’ replacement. Rice led the Lions to a 28-20 win over Hinds on Sept. 3. EMCC (2-0) will continue its season at home versus Pearl River Community College on Thursday.