Starkville High School Welcomes New Football Coach

Players practicing football at Starkville High School

News Summary

Starkville High School has appointed John Carr as its new Head Football Coach, marking a significant leadership change in the football program. Carr, who previously coached at Clinton High School, is set to revitalize the team’s performance with a focus on a college-like practice atmosphere and holistic player development. His coaching staff includes experienced professionals, aiming to foster teamwork and character growth in players. With the upcoming spring practice, the Starkville community looks forward to the new chapter in its athletic program.

Starkville – Starkville High School has officially begun a new chapter in its football program with the appointment of John Carr as the new Head Football Coach. The Starkville Oktibbeha School District Board of Trustees granted their approval for Carr’s hiring during their March meeting, marking a significant shift in the leadership of the school’s athletic division.

John Carr arrives at Starkville High School following a coaching tenure at Clinton High School, where he led the football team to a record of 4-6 after a challenging 1-9 season in 2023. Before his time at Clinton, Carr held various coaching positions at Oklahoma, Louisiana-Monroe, and several junior colleges. His history of transforming offensive programs means Starkville’s football team could see a notable increase in points per game as they embrace his strategic approach.

As a head coach, Carr aims to create an environment that replicates a college atmosphere in practice sessions. This philosophy is rooted in his experiences at institutions such as Troy University, Louisiana-Monroe, and Southern Miss. He intends to foster strong relationships with players while prioritizing teamwork, character development, and academic responsibility. The focus of his coaching will be to ensure that players become the best versions of themselves, both on and off the field.

New Coaching Staff

In addition to Carr’s appointment, he has assembled a talented coaching staff to support his vision for Starkville football. The new coaching team includes:

Tyler Peterson as Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach, who previously served at Clinton High School.
Jamario Winters as Defensive Coordinator, who most recently led Choctaw County’s defense to a state championship.
Lavontis “Von” Smith as Wide Receivers Coach, known for his time as the head coach at Ethel High School.

Recent Performance and Future Goals

Starkville’s football program recently concluded the 2024 season with a 7-5 record, ultimately falling to Tupelo in the playoffs. The school’s athletic department hopes that Carr and his coaching staff will not only implement a winning culture but also a game plan that has proven successful in the past.

Coaching Philosophy

Central to Carr’s coaching philosophy is an emphasis on energy, discipline, and the development of core football skills. He advocates for a holistic approach to player development, focusing on both athletic grooming and character building. This comprehensive approach seeks to prepare athletes not just for the field, but for life beyond high school sports.

Transition in Leadership

This coaching change comes on the heels of former Head Coach Chris Jones’ departure, as Jones has taken on a new role as the football coach at Hinds College. The transition to Carr’s leadership marks a fresh start for the Starkville program, with hopes for a brighter future in upcoming seasons.

Spring Practice Begins

Under Carr’s guidance, Spring practice is set to commence on Monday. The anticipation for this new era in Starkville football is palpable, as players and coaching staff prepare to implement strategies designed to elevate the team’s performance in the years to come.