After decades of success, Picayune’s long time varsity head football coach Dodd Lee resigned following the end of this past season.

After accepting applications and interviewing candidates the decision was made to name Cody Stogner as the new head football coach for the Maroon Tide.

Stogner is a former player under Lee and acted as the offensive coordinator for the Maroon Tide this past season.

“I’ve always wanted to be a head football coach and it’s a blessing to be able to coach at the place I played,” Stogner said.

Stogner’s time as offensive coordinator for the team this past season occurred in a season where the Maroon Tide advanced to the 5A state championship before being defeated by West Point.

Kristi Mitchell, the Athletic Director for the Picayune School District, said Stogner was the right person to continue the Maroon Tide’s success on the football field.

“He’s a hard nosed worker. He’s going to get after it and surround himself with good people,” Mitchell said.

Stogner’s familiarity with the players will be a boon as he and the athletes go through the offseason.

He’s coached some of the athletes for years and the comfort between Stogner and the players will help smooth the transition.

Now that he’s in charge, the first step for Stogner is get his program aligned with his vision.

“The good thing is a lot of the guys have been around me and know me. The most important thing is just to get in here and let the guys know our vision and focus,” Stogner said.

Stogner has seen first hand Lee’s coaching style and how it paid off with not only winning seasons, but with state championships.

Stogner will look to build on that success, while also adding some flair of his own to the program.

Stogner said his vision of the program won’t require a rebuild, but more of a remodel as he implements his own strategies.

“The blueprint of success is already here. We’re going to continue on with what’s been working and what Picayune has been known for,” Stogner said.

The Maroon Tide football team will be focusing on strength and conditioning in the offseason.

During that time Stogner plans to start teaching his players, both new and experienced, what he wants to see from his team offensively and defensively.

On top of all the new responsibilities Stogner has as a head coach, he also has to replace two coaches who moved on to other jobs. It’s a responsibility Stogner doesn’t back down from. “I grew up here, my family is here. To be able to be home and get the opportunity to lead a football program, there aren’t a lot of words to describe it,” Stogner said.