Vance tabbed to lead Wildcat Football Program
![Coach Vance Welcome Graphic]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764789624/mpsdk12net/bchr7chhskg7sn14tctr/WelcomeCoachVance.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764789624/mpsdk12net/bchr7chhskg7sn14tctr/WelcomeCoachVance.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764789624/mpsdk12net/bchr7chhskg7sn14tctr/WelcomeCoachVance.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764789624/mpsdk12net/bchr7chhskg7sn14tctr/WelcomeCoachVance.jpg","width":1080}])
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | DECEMBER 3, 2025
MERIDIAN, MS. – The Meridian Public School District Board of Trustees voted on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, to approve Tony A. Vance as the new Head Football Coach for Meridian High School. Coach Vance brings more than two decades of experience as a successful educator, leader, and football coach across Mississippi and Alabama.
“We are excited to welcome Coach Vance to Meridian,” said Dr. Amy Carter, MPSD Superintendent. “His proven ability to build high-performing athletic programs, foster academic success, and inspire student-athletes makes him the right leader to elevate Wildcat Football.”
Known for his energy, integrity, and commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field, Vance has compiled an impressive coaching résumé that includes:
- 17 years as a head coach with 16 playoff appearances
- 4 State Championship appearances
- 157 career victories as a head coach
- 105 student-athletes continued careers at the collegiate level
His coaching career includes impactful tenures at Hattiesburg High School, Charleston High School, Olive Branch High School, and other programs where he served as head coach, athletic director, coordinator, and administrator. Under his leadership, his teams have earned a state championship, state runner-up finishes, district championships, and numerous playoff runs. He has also been recognized multiple times as Region Coach of the Year, Pine Belt Sports Coach of the Year, and Sports 601 Coach of the Year.
“I’ve witnessed Coach Vance’s body of work firsthand,” said Dr. Cheyenne Trussell, MPSD Athletic Director. “There’s no doubt that he will get the Wildcats football program back on track.”
Vance has also played an active role in state athletics, serving as President of the Mississippi Association of Coaches (2023–2024) and in multiple leadership positions within the organization.
Coach Vance will assume his duties on January 5, 2026. A Press Conference has been scheduled for Monday, December 8th, at 2 pm in the Multipurpose Building on the campus of Meridian High School. The public is invited.
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