Pearl River football added one of the most respected defensive minds in the country to its coaching staff ahead of the 2026 season, announcing the hire of five-time National Champion coach Cliff Collins as the Wildcats' new defensive coordinator.

"We are extremely excited about the addition of Coach Collins. He's a proven winner, an elite recruiter and a five-time National Champion," head coach Seth Smith said. "He has coached and developed many players who have gone on to have tremendous careers at the next level and several who have gone on to the NFL. Coach Collins has been doing it collegiately for over 20 years, so he brings a wealth of knowledge and credibility to our program that is second to none. His energy is infectious, his attitude is contagious, and we can't wait to get started."

Collins brings a wealth of experience with him to the Pearl River sidelines, totaling 22 seasons coaching at the collegiate level. He spent 13 seasons on the East Mississippi staff — eight as the defensive backs coach (2008-2015) and five as the Lions' defensive coordinator (2017-20, 2025). Four years as the head coach at Southwest Mississippi (2021-2024), one season as defensive backs coach at Jackson State (2016) and two seasons apiece at Hinds and Southwest Mississippi as defensive backs coach from 2004-07.

"Having been in the league for more than 20 years, I want to share that experience with our defensive players and help them play elite-level defense," Collins said. "I'm also really excited to be here at this great community college with such a strong tradition. When I first got into the league, we played against Pearl River while I was at Hinds, and I lost the Conference Championship to them. They were a powerhouse. I'm just excited to be part of the Pearl River family. Roll River Roll."

Collins' time at EMCC was extremely successful, helping lead the Lions to five National Championships, six Conference titles and eight North Division crowns. Overall, the Lions had a 112-19 record and were 65-7 in North Division play.

His units at East Mississippi have ranked among the best in the country on numerous occasions, including the 2018 team that led the country in points allowed per game at 11.4 and tallied an incredible 48 sacks. The Lions only allowed 212.4 yards per game. During the 2013 season, the Lions ranked second in the NJCAA with 30 interceptions and they were third nationally with 21 in 2014. He helped coach nearly 100 former Lions to the four-year level during his time with the program.

During Collins' time at the helm of Southwest Mississippi, the Bears had 24 All-MACCC selections and sent 60 players to the four-year level. While as the defensive backs coach, the Tigers topped the Southwestern Athletic Conference in pass defense, ranked second in total defense and third in opponents' third down conversions. At Hinds, he helped guide the 2004 team to a 9-2 record, a ranking of ninth in the final NJCAA poll and a spot in the MACJC title team. When he made his first stop at Southwest Mississippi, he was the Bears' defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator.

Collins' career in JUCO began as a player. After being a two-sport standout at Amite County, his collegiate career began at Southwest, where he played quarterback and wide receiver as a freshman before switching to the defensive side of the ball as a sophomore to play safety. He went on to play safety and linebacker at Ole Miss, where he earned a bachelor's degree. He spent one season as a student assistant, helping the Rebels make the 2002 Independence Bowl team.

He later received his master's degree from West Alabama in 2020. Collins and his wife, Gernika, are the parents of Parys and Caiya.