As Hattiesburg gained a new football coach with Southern Miss’ Charles Huff on Dec. 8, it also loses one.
Hattiesburg football coach Tony Vance announced his retirement Monday.
Vance said in a social media post, “To the city of Hattiesburg Mayor Barker and other elected officials, board of trustees, our superintendent, district administrators, current and former players, coaches and loyal supporters. For 12 years my family and I have been thankful for the wonderful people that welcomed me and my family with open arms and genuine support.
“We have been fortunate to create lifelong friendships and meaningful relationships. I am excited as I anxiously await what lies ahead in retirement, as my time in this great district comes to and end.”
Vance helped lead Hattiesburg to a 13-1 record in 2024 and an appearance in the MHSAA Class 6A state championship game in which the Tigers fell to Grenada 43-14. This was Hattiesburg’s best season under Vance since 2017, when the Tigers finished 14-1 but fell in the Class 5A title game to 41-15 to West Point.
Vance, 49, is coming off his 12th season at Hattiesburg. He had a 97-54 with a 9-11 record in the playoffs. Vance’s first head coaching job in the state was at Charleston (2008-12). He won the MHSAA Class 3A state title in 2011. His 17-year career coaching record is 157-64, including 20-15 in postseason play.
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In his final seasons, Vance coached his son Deuce Vance, who played quarterback for the Tigers, is a South Alabama signee and won MHSAA Class 6A Mr. Football.
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.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MHSAA football: Hattiesburg coach Tony Vance retires after 12 seasons
