Philip Jordan was named the new head football coach at Winona High School during a press conference at the school Wednesday.
Jordan replaces Joey Tompkins, who announced in November that he would be retiring at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Tompkins just completed his 11th season at the helm of the football program. Winona went 6-6 overall last season and made it to the second round of the Class 3A playoffs. Tompkins had an overall record of 102-39 during his tenure as a head coach.
“This is a dream come true to be named the head football coach at Winona High School,” said Jordan, who has been on staff at Winona since 2017. “I have learned so much from Coach Tompkins during my time at Winona. I know to have a successful program you have to surround yourself with good people who want the same things you want.
“We not only want to have a winning program at Winona, but we also want to help develop these kids into fine young men. We have been doing different things here at Winona, things that no other 3A program in the state does. We film each practice so our kids can watch what they do during the week as well as on Friday nights,” Jordan continued.
“Replacing Joey will not be easy, but he’s been more than just a head coach. He has been a best friend.”
Winona High athletic director Veronica Helms made the announcement Wednesday.
“Over the past 11 years, we have built a strong football program under the leadership of Joey Tompkins. We have enjoyed a lot of success and a state championship in 2023,” said Helms. “But as we all know, time moves on. Once Coach Tompkins announced his retirement, we began a search for our next head coach.
“We had 29 applicants for the position, including head and assistant coaches of programs around our state as well as other adjoining states. These applicants included head coaches and assistants who have been to and won several state championships. However, we too have had success, and we feel that it is important to reward success and hard work from within our ranks,” Helms added.
“Coach Jordan has been our offensive coordinator for several years during which we won a state championship. He was also the defensive coordinator, which included the 2018 state championship finals appearance. We are excited to continue the success that our community and county have enjoyed.”
Jordan, who came to Winona after six years at East Webster High School, served as defensive coordinator from 2017-2019. He then took over as offensive coordinator from 2020-24.
“The two roles I have served at Winona have better prepared me to be a head coach,” said Jordan, who is 37. “There was a different set of challenges on both sides of the ball. We believe in getting our kids as many reps as possible, especially during practices. There is not a lot of standing around at our practices. We plan on continuing the many things Joey has set in place.”
Jordan and his wife, Lindsie, have two children, ages 3 and 1. He also pastors a church in Choctaw County outside of Weir.
“That is something that keeps me well rounded,” said Jordan. “I knew at the age of 14 I was called to be coaching high school football one day. God also had other plans for me.”
Jordan earned a Bachelor of Education degree in secondary education from Mississippi State University in 2017 and a Master of Education degree in administration from Arkansas State in 2023.
“I don’t feel any pressure replacing Coach Tompkins because our goal is still to win,” Jordan said. “We will have a staff who wants to develop high-character young men and are willing to continue to put in the work needed to be successful.”
