Coach Purnell begins his 7th season at Desoto Central. Prior to his stint here he coached defensive backs for one season at Starkville and 10 seasons at Horn Lake, where he served as Defensive Coordinator and coached running backs and defensive backs. He was also head coach at Horn Lake Middle School. Coach Purnell is a graduate of Greenwood High School, where he played defensive back and wide receiver and was an all-district performer for 2 seasons and also played baseball. He is also a graduate of Mississippi State University. In addition to his football job, Coach also donates his time as a summer baseball coach in Desoto County. Coach Purnell and his wife, Liz, have one son, Brett, and two dogs, Cowboy and Ollie.

Coach Sims begins his 3rd season at Desoto Central. His other coaching stints were at West Monroe High and Carroll High. He is a native of Hernando, where he was All-State and All-Conference as an offensive lineman. At Hernando, he also participated in power lifting and track & field. He is a graduate of Northwest Community College, the University of Louisiana-Monroe and the University of Mississippi. Coach Sims teaches World Geography and is also well known for his artistic abilities. Most of the football field art are his creations. Coach and his wife, Alicia, have three cats, Stinker, Sweet Pea, and OJ.

Coach White begins his 2nd year at Desoto Central after previous coaching stops at Bruce High School and Vardaman High School. He is a graduate of Vardaman High School, where he played football and baseball. His is also a graduate of Northeast Community College and Mississippi State University. He teaches History and Physical Education. Coach White lives at home with his boxer, Wrigley.

Coach Moss is new to the Desoto Central staff, having coached previously at Olive Branch and Warren Central High School (Vicksburg). He is a graduate of Olive Branch High School where he was an All-County football center. He also served as team captain, his senior year. He also played two years at Belhaven College. Coach is also a graduate of the University of Mississippi. Coach Moss and his wife, Jessica, have a one year old son, Jeremiah. Coach Moss teaches World History.

Coach Smith comes to Desoto Central this season after serving stints at Oxford High School and Choctaw Central High School (Philadelphia). Coach is a graduate of Union High School, in Neshoba County, East Central Community College and the University of Mississippi. At Union High School, Coach Smith was a Quarterback and Linebacker and also played baseball. Coach spends his free time in the fall, hunting. Coach Smith is married to his wife, Natalie, and has two children, 8 year old Jacob and 4 year old Grace. Coach Smith teaches Zoology and Genetics.

Coach Walters begins his 4th season at Desoto Central, where he has coached defensive line, line backers, and defensive backs. He also serves as the Head Power lifting Coach. Prior to coming to Desoto Central, Coach Walters served as a Graduate Assistant Coach at Delta State University, for 2 seasons. Coach Walters is a graduate of Hatley High School where he was All-County for 4 years, All-District for 3 years, and Honorable Mention All-State for 4 years, in both football and baseball. He also participated in the North-South High School All-star game and the NEMCABB All-star game. Coach is also a graduate of Delta State University where he played his college football as a defensive end. Coach Walters and his wife, Courtney, have a 2 year old son, Bryson. Coach Walters teaches Health at DCHS.

Coach Echols comes to Desoto Central this year as a volunteer after coming out of retirement. Coach served in numerous coaching capacities over the years, mostly as a highly successful head coach in the very competitive Los Angeles, California, area. Coach Echols brings a level a maturity to the coaching staff and carries a wealth of knowledge and experience. We are extremely fortunate to have him on our staff. He and his wife reside in Olive Branch.