Long Beach High School has begun its search for a new head football coach after the district’s Board of Trustees officially accepted the resignation of Jacob Massey on Tuesday night.
In three years under Massey, the Bearcats compiled an underwhelming 4-29 record. But Massey did help the struggling program put a stop to a 30-game losing streak in 2023, resulting in him being named District 4-6A Coach of the Year.
Additionally, in 2024, Massey led Long Beach to its first Oyster Bowl victory over Pass Christian before rounding out the season at a 2-9 mark. The only other win came against Bay High School before the Bearcats stumbled through district play winless.
“I want to thank Dr. (Talia) Lock, Board President Tim Pierce, Athletic Director Shane Rutledge, Principal Justin Sutton, the city of Long Beach for the opportunity to serve as head football coach the past three years,” Massey said, noting his plans to move closer to family in northeast Mississippi. “I am proud of what we were able to accomplish during my tenure.”
Before taking the reins at Long Beach High School in 2022, Massey spent one year as offensive coordinator at Petal High School. The first nine years of his career were split between Amory High School and DeSoto Central High School.
Long Beach High School has not won a district game since 2018 when Philip Pigott’s team defeated West Harrison 36-33. The last time the Bearcats had a winning season was in 2017 when they finished 6-5 under Forrest Williams.
Massey will complete the school year with the Long Beach School District as the administration works to hire a new football coach.