Legendary Gulfport Coach Lindy Callahan dies

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- Lindy Callahan, a Gulfport sports legend, died on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the age of 97.

A native of Vicksburg, Callahan played football and baseball at Ole Miss. He began his long association with Gulfport High School in 1953 as a teacher and coach. From 1955 to 1965, he served as Athletics Director, Head Football Coach, and Head Baseball Coach. During the early 1960’s, Coach Callahan established a football dynasty when his Commodore football team won 3 Mythical State Championships, went undefeated in 35 consecutive Big-8 Conference games, and compiled a record of 54-5-4 from 1960-1965.

Callahan stepped away from his coaching duties and concentrated on his role of Athletics Director in 1965. One of the most innovative and skilled administrators in the history of Mississippi prep sports, he served as President of the Mississippi High School Activities Association, Mississippi Association of Coaches, and Mississippi Athletics Directors Association. He has been honored with induction into nine athletic halls of fame, including the National Federation of High Schools Hall of Fame, Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, Mississippi Association of Coaches Hall of Fame, Ole Miss Sports Hall of Fame, and the Gulfport Sports Hall of Fame.

In recognition of his outstanding service to high school athletes for nearly four decades, the MHSAA established the Lindy Callahan Scholar-Athlete program in 1995. In 1992, the Gulfport School District recognized the many contributions of Coach Lindy Callahan by naming the playing field at Milner Stadium in his honor.

Callahan is survived by his wife Ann, two sons, a daughter, and 17 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport.