leaving

Luverne

By Kevin Taylor

Mike DuBose is back in college football.

After a two year stint at Luverne High, DuBose was hired on Thursday as the new defensive coordinator of Division III Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss.

In his two years at Luverne, DuBose led the Tigers to back to back berths in the state playoffs. In his first season at Luverne, the Tigers played for the Class 2A state championship. Luverne fell to Randolph County 21-14.

Last year Luverne fell in the second round of the state playoffs, 14-13, to Cottonwood.

DuBose compiled a 20-7 record at Luverne.

Area coaches like Georgiana coach Keith York said he was not surprised by the news.

"I don't know what the circumstances were, but I'm sure it was something he wanted to do and it was better for him," said York, whose Georgiana squad fell to Luverne in the first round of the playoffs last year.

DuBose was not available for comment by presstime.

Prior to coming to Luverne, DuBose led the University of Alabama to a Southeastern Conference championship in 1999. The Tide then went through a tough 3-8 season the next year and he resigned after four years as head coach.

The question now is who will fill DuBose's shoes.

"He did a great job for Luverne, and I'm sure they will hate to lose him," York said.

DuBose will return to Alabama soon enough. Millsaps opens the season Sept. 3 at Huntingdon College in Montgomery.