Junior Graham Joining Winona Christian as Head Football Coach and Athletic Director

WINONA, Miss. (WCBI) — A Mississippi coaching legend is making his move back to where it all started.

Junior Graham confirmed with WCBI on Monday that he will be Winona Christian School’s new head football coach and athletic director. Graham replaces Ken Chandler, who left the Stars to be the new head football coach at Bruce.

Junior Graham
(Photo by Keith Warren)

Graham spent last season as head coach at Winston Academy, where the Patriots finished with a 1-9 record.

Before joining Winston Academy last year, Graham spent eight seasons as the head football coach at Eupora High School. He led the Eagles to five double digit win seasons and an appearance in the 2012 2A State Championship game.

A graduate of Ethel High School, Graham was a basketball coach before moving to the gridiron. His first head coaching job was at Duck Hill, where he was their boys basketball head coach. The school consolidated into Kilmichael and Montgomery County in 1989, which caused Graham to move to Winona where he became an assistant football coach.

Graham has been a head coach in Mississippi high school football for 16 years. His first head coaching job was with the Weir Lions, taking over for legendary coach Joe Lynn Gant.

Graham helped lead the Lions to their sixth and final State Championship in 2003. He led the Lions to three State Title appearances in his seven years as the head coach.

He joined Eupora as head coach in 2007, taking over for Lance Pogue. His 79-23 overall record in eight seasons with the Eagles also includes eight playoff appearances, with only one year ending in the first round.

Graham will be introduced to Winona Christian on Wednesday at the school. WCBI will have more with coach Graham and the Stars coming up this week.