COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — Columbus’ football team hasn’t had a winning season in nearly a decade, but the Falcons are working to get back on track. This offseason, the school hired Barrin Simpson as the program’s new head coach.
Simpson was twice named All-SEC linebacker during his Bulldogs career from 1996 to 1999 with Mississippi State and won two consecutive state championships with Starkville High School.
“There was a lot of talent here in Columbus,” Simpson said. “They just had to bring structure and discipline and a culture of self-belief.”
Simpson spent the last decade as a coach at Texas. Now he’s in Columbus working to change the culture and mentality of this program.
“Just from February to now, it’s been a huge change,” Simpson said. “I always tell the kids, ‘Man, I’m proud of you. I’m proud of what you’ve accomplished. I’m proud of what you’ve set out to do.'”
Senior safety Destin Poindexter said Simpson pushed them to get better.
“(We) didn’t work hard enough last season, so this season we have to work a little harder, try a little harder, go the extra mile,” Poindexter said.
The Golden Triangle is home to Simpson, and he said it’s great to be back near friends and family. After working as a coach on Friday night, he’ll be able to make his long-awaited return to Davis Wade Stadium on Saturday.
“The last time I experienced this was at a game, so it will be pretty cool to be able to go back to the stadium and watch some games,” Simpson said.
Columbus opens its season at home against Houston on August 30.
