By Robert Wilson
Bernard Euell has done an outstanding job building a high school football program in the northeastern part of Madison County and now he will try to do the same in the southern part of the county.
Euell is moving his coaching and athletic director talents from MHSAA Class 2A Velma Jackson to MHSAA Class 6A Ridgeland.
The All-State wide receiver at Jackson Jim Hill High and starter at Mississippi State won 85 games, had a MHSAA Class 2A state runner-up finish in 2023 (a school record 13 wins) and four state semifinal appearances, three in the last four years, in his 10 seasons at Velma Jackson and built the football program into one of the most successful small class powerhouses in Mississippi.
Euell replaced Todd McDaniel, who retired after coaching for 17 seasons, the last three at Ridgeland.
“Coach Euell has a track record of winning, discipline, and teaching the game,” Ridgeland principal Preston Nailor said. “Student athletes commit to his work ethic and dedication to the game. I knew from the beginning that he would make a great addition to our staff because of his willingness to help build a culture of winning with all of our athletic programs.”
“Bernard Euell is a winner,” said Ted Poore, who retired this spring as the superintendent for the Madison County School District and has served in several roles in the school system since the 1990s and has known Euell for many years. “I’ve had the privilege of watching him play in high school and college. He was a valuable assistant coach at Madison Central for several years and has built several successful programs as a head football coach. We are very proud of the outstanding job he has done at Velma Jackson and we have great expectations for how he will sustain and enhance the Titan football and all athletic programs at Ridgeland High School. We are thankful that his positive influence on student-athletes will continue here in the Madison County Schools.”
“After spending ten years at Velma Jackson, deciding to move to Ridgeland High School, I felt like the right step both professionally and personally,” Euell said. “A decade at one place teaches you a lot-not just about the game, but about leadership, community, and building a program the right way. I’m proud of what we accomplished there, but I also reached a point where I was ready for a new challenge and an opportunity to grow. Ridgeland presented that opportunity. The school has strong potential, supportive leadership, and a community that cares deeply about its football program. I saw a chance to take everything I learned at Velma Jackson and apply it in a new environment, helping to build something special while continuing to develop young men on and off the field. Ultimately, it wasn’t about leaving something behind-it was about moving toward a new challenge, new relationships, and a chance to keep growing as a coach and leader.”
Euell plans on doing the same things he did at Ridgeland like he did at Velma Jackson.
“At Ridgeland, I want to establish the same foundation of excellence, accountability, and player development that helped make the Velma Jackson football program successful,” Euell said. “My goal is to build a culture where student-athletes are committed to academic achievement, character development, and athletic excellence.
I want to develop a program that emphasizes discipline, hard work, and teamwork while creating an environment where players, coaches, parents, and the community are united behind a common vision. Establishing strong relationships throughout the school and community will be a priority, as successful football programs are built on trust, communication, and support. I want to implement a year-round player development system that focuses on strength and conditioning, football fundamentals, leadership training, and preparing young men for success beyond the game. Ultimately, my objective is to build a consistently competitive program that competes for championships while developing high-character student-athletes who positively represent Ridgeland High School on and off the field.”
Euell has known about Ridgeland football program’s success for many years.
“Before taking the job, I knew Ridgeland High School had a proud football tradition and a community that is passionate about supporting its student-athletes,” Euell said. “I was aware of the program’s history of competing at a high level and the expectations that come with representing the school. I also knew that there was a strong foundation already in place, with dedicated players, coaches, administrators, and supporters who care deeply about the success of the program. The more I learned about Ridgeland, the more I felt it was a place where I could make a positive impact and help the program continue moving forward.”
Gavin Griffin – one of the best players Euell has coached in his career – is a junior running back at Troy this fall. He was Mr. Football in Class 1A and the Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Player of the Year and gained 2,096 yards and scored a Mississippi record 314 points and led Velma Jackson to 13-1 record and the 1A state runner-up finish in 2023. Griffin led in the nation with 1,168 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns as a sophomore at East Mississippi Community College this past fall.
“Coach Euell and I had a great relationship during my time at Velma Jackson,” Griffin said. “He challenged me every day to be better and helped me become the player and person I am today. He always believed at me, even when things get tough, and taught me the importance of discipline, accountability, and hard work. I’ll always be thankful for the opportunity to play for him. Ridgeland is getting a great coach and an even better person. I wish him and his family the best.”
Euell began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Noxubee County 1998 to 2002, Anniston, Ala., from 2006 to 2008, and Madison Central from 2008 to 2011. He got his first head coaching job at Yazoo County and coached there from 2011 to 2016 before going to Velma Jackson.
Euell has been married to his wife Casedra for 29 years and they have three children, Matthew, Quentin, and Jada.
“Family has always been a central part of my life, and I am proud of the accomplishments, character, and growth of all of our children,” Euell said. “The values of faith, education, hard work, and commitment have guided our family throughout the years and continue to be important to us today.”
Ridgeland finished 11-2 and lost to Warren Central 45-42 in the MHSAA Class 6A semifinals this past season. The Titans have made the semifinals three other seasons in 2020, 2011 and 2010, but never made the championship game since the school opened in 2002.
Euell will try to get them there like he did at Velma Jackson.
