Gulfport’s John Archie stepping down as football coach

Scott Watkins
·1 min read

Gulfport High School will be looking for a new leader for its football program. Following a five-year stint as head coach of the Admirals, John Archie is stepping down from his role within the program.

Archie won two district championships and compiled a 37-22 record at Gulfport, including a 25-10 record against region opponents. The Admirals reached the playoffs four times under Archie, including this season, and won once in 2019.

Archie was promoted to assistant principal following the 2021 season and is now stepping down as football coach “to invest himself more heavily in administration,” according to athletic director Matt Walters.

Archie coached 14 next-level players, including Auburn’s Derek Hall and Southern Miss linebacker T.Q. Newsome.

“The Gulfport School District looks forward to his continued success as an administrator at Gulfport High School,” the school’s press release said.

“I intend to leave no stone unturned in finding the best coach in Mississippi to lead Gulfport to a 7A state championship,” Walters said.

Gulfport’s Jayden Gaines walks into Greyhound Stadium in Ocean Springs with a boombox before Gulfport’s game against Ocean Springs on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022.
Gulfport’s Jayden Gaines walks into Greyhound Stadium in Ocean Springs with a boombox before Gulfport’s game against Ocean Springs on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022.