Gene Murphy returning to Hinds’ sidelines

RAYMOND — Hinds Community College athletic director and the winningest football coach in HCC history Gene Murphy will return next season as the Eagles’ head coach, replacing J. Mike Smith.

The Raymond native has served as the school’s athletic director since July 1997, after serving as the head football coach from 1987 to 2003. Murphy had remarkable success during his tenure, compiling a 133-41-5 overall record.

The Eagles won six state and regional championships during this time frame, including four consecutive titles from 1994-1997. Numerous former Eagles coached by Murphy continued their playing careers at four-year universities throughout the nation and in the National Football League (NFL).

“I am currently getting my feet back on the ground and evaluating things as I go,” said Murphy, who was also the offensive coordinator during his first time around. “I have been off the field for six years, and this opportunity excites me.”

Read more in Thursday’s Vicksburg Post