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Coach John Bland<br />
What or who inspired you to become a coach?<br />
My dad (Dan Bland) was a football coach and coached me in high<br />
school. I learned so much from Dad as a player, but also as his<br />
son. I was also able to see the impact he had on his players’ lives<br />
as I was growing up–and I still see that today.<br />
What do you consider your greatest achievement or<br />
accomplishment and why?<br />
In football there are a few. As a player, being voted team captain at<br />
Arkansas when we won the Southwest Conference Championship<br />
was one. That made me very proud, mainly because my teammates<br />
voted for me, and I wasn’t the most talented player. But I worked<br />
extremely hard, on and off the field. As a coach, it was leading our<br />
team at Cumberlands to the national championship game.<br />
Winning games is hard, and to make it that far takes a great team<br />
effort, mentally and physically. It also takes great leadership.<br />
Is there a part of your job that you didn’t anticipate?<br />
At this level, coaches have to wear lots of hats. Coaching is only<br />
one. I grew up as a high school coach’s son and understood that<br />
no job is too small. You have to be ready to work every day. As<br />
football changes, especially at the college level, with the transfer<br />
portal and NILs, college coaches are adjusting and changing their<br />
philosophy with the times.<br />
What one piece of advice would you give a young person?<br />
If you want to be successful, you must have a positive attitude and<br />
a strong commitment every day. That’s easier said than done.<br />
What do you love most about Clinton?<br />
You find out real fast that there is lots of pride here in Clinton.<br />
Pride in the school systems, the academics, and the sports, from<br />
recreational leagues to the high school levels. I’ve seen more<br />
well-rounded people and students in Clinton than any other place<br />
or town. All three of my kids graduated from Clinton High and<br />
I couldn’t be prouder. The school system is second to none. I also<br />
love that Mississippi College is a major part of the atmosphere<br />
here in Clinton.<br />
What is the most rewarding thing about your job?<br />
I have been coaching for over 30 years and have found<br />
that some of the most rewarding things happen with the<br />
players I coached years ago. I am able to really understand<br />
the impact that I had on their lives as their coach.<br />
What is the typical day in the life of a college coach?<br />
During the season, we have a routine that revolves around<br />
preparing for games, watching films, planning practices, and<br />
preparing to be our best on Saturdays. Although recruiting is<br />
year-round for the most part, there is a time after the season that<br />
we spend more time on the road trying to find talented players<br />
and also ones who are a good fit for Mississippi College. As I learn<br />
and grow each year, I’ve found that I’m at my best as a coach<br />
when I prepare our players not only for gameday, but for every<br />
day, and especially the future.<br />
What is your favorite MC tradition?<br />
I have really been impressed with the Hall of Fame banquet–<br />
getting to see the best of all times here at MC and listen to them<br />
speak. There is a love for MC and their coaches that is hard to match.<br />
What’s your biggest win as a coach?<br />
Probably the semi-finals win in the national playoffs versus Carroll<br />
College. Carroll was easily the most decorated team in the nation<br />
at that time in the NAIA. Here at MC, there have been some big<br />
wins and they have been on homecoming events versus Delta<br />
State, West Georgia, and Valdosta State. The last two spoiled their<br />
homecoming, which is always nice.<br />
What is your favorite childhood sports memory?<br />
Watching my dad’s team in Tullahoma, Tennessee, make a run in the<br />
state playoffs to the semi-finals. It had such a big impact on my life.<br />
I learned about teamwork, mental toughness, and buying into a<br />
program.<br />
Who is MC’s biggest rivalry?<br />
Delta State<br />
What’s the most difficult thing about being a public figure?<br />
And what’s the most rewarding?<br />
I have a similar answer for both questions. Most people who are<br />
familiar with MC football know who I am and are watching my actions,<br />
on and off the field. There is pressure because of that. One of my<br />
goals as a coach and a parent is to be a good example to my<br />
players and my kids. Hopefully I’m the kind of man and<br />
coach that all MC football supporters are proud of.<br />
Who is your biggest fan?<br />
My wife Candis. She loves football and being a football<br />
coach’s wife. Come watch her on the sideline. You’ll see<br />
what I mean.<br />
Hometown CLINTON • 17
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