Mudcats Name New Head Football Coach

JACKSON, MS — The Mississippi Mudcats proudly announce the hiring of Jeffrey Schaum as the team’s new Head Football Coach ahead of the 2025 National Gridiron League season. With four decades of coaching experience at both the collegiate and high school levels, Coach Schaum brings a remarkable blend of knowledge, leadership, and passion for the game that will shape the foundation of the Mudcats franchise.

Coach Schaum began his coaching journey in 1986 as a graduate assistant at Florida State University under legendary coach Bobby Bowden, where he gained invaluable experience in one of college football’s most storied programs. Since then, his career has taken him across the country, serving in a wide variety of leadership roles and making a lasting impact at every stop.

Schaum’s collegiate head coaching career includes tenures at Warner University (FL) and Cisco Junior College in Texas, where he established strong programs and developed players on and off the field. Known for his ability to rebuild and reenergize football teams, Schaum has consistently demonstrated the ability to cultivate winning cultures built on accountability, toughness, and integrity.

In addition to his college experience, Coach Schaum has served as a head football coach at the high school level in the football-rich states of Texas, Florida, Virginia, and New Mexico. His extensive background has allowed him to work with athletes at all stages of their development, preparing them for both collegiate opportunities and life beyond the field.

“We are honored to welcome Coach Schaum to the Mississippi Mudcats,” said a team executive. “His resume is unmatched. From coaching under Bobby Bowden to leading collegiate and high school programs around the country, Coach Schaum brings experience, vision, and a deep love for the game. He’s exactly the kind of leader we need as we begin our journey in the National Gridiron League.”

As the Mudcats' inaugural head coach, Schaum will be responsible for building the team from the ground up, including recruiting players, selecting assistant coaches, and preparing the team for its first season of professional eight-man football. His deep understanding of team-building and player development makes him uniquely equipped to lead Mississippi’s newest professional football team.

The Mudcats will host their 2025 home games at Shiloh Park in Brandon, Mississippi. An outdoor stadium will be constructed to provide fans with an up-close, action-packed football experience. The team aims to be a source of community pride and excitement, bringing professional football to central Mississippi for the first time in decades.

With Coach Jeffrey Schaum at the helm, the Mississippi Mudcats are ready to make waves across the National Gridiron League. 

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