Larry Henderson

He was a young Mississippi man with a corporate job and a beautiful wife when he found himself having lunch in Thibodaux, Louisiana, one August day. It was football season, and the South was alive with excitement. Picking up a newspaper, he noticed a local Catholic school was looking for an assistant football coach. On a whim, he stopped by the school and interviewed. He was offered and accepted the job, and began what would become Larry Henderson's storied coaching career.

Henderson’s path to coaching seemed inevitable. A native of Forest, Mississippi, he had been a standout football player at Forest High School. After graduating, he attended East Central Junior College, where he earned All-State and All-American honors. At Delta State, he was named Outstanding Defensive Player, served as a student assistant, and earned a degree in education.

Henderson’s coaching journey began at E.D. White High School in Louisiana, where he coached defense for five years. He then took the head football job at Decatur High School, in Mississippi. He guided them to an 11-10 record over two seasons before moving to Mobile, Alabama.

Larry joined Murphy High School as an assistant under Hall of Fame coaches Lefty Anderson and later Robert Shaw. During the 1970s and early 1980s, Murphy consistently excelled but never captured a state championship. Known for his tough coaching style, Henderson developed a reputation as an intense and demanding leader. Players respected his no-nonsense approach and relentless drive to improve.

When Shaw retired, Henderson became Murphy’s head coach in 1982. His first season was rough, ending 3-7. It was the school’s first losing season in 16 years. Fullback Paul Davenport recalled the team being worn out by Friday games. “Coach Henderson was old school,” he said. “We’d run sprints all week and go full tilt in practice.”

Realizing change was needed, Henderson met with players during the offseason. Seniors suggested easing up on physical intensity during the season, and he listened. “He started to evolve,” said Bill Condon, an All-State lineman who would later star at Alabama. “He still worked us hard but in a way that kept us fresh on Fridays.”

Henderson also implemented the University of Georgia’s “wide tackle 6” defense, transforming Murphy’s approach. It made a difference. The 1983 Panthers became a defensive powerhouse, allowing just 77 points over 14 games. They swept through the playoffs, beating a good Fairhope team for the second time and knocking off an undefeated Jeff Davis team in the semifinals. Murphy was finally in the championship game. On game day the rain was torrential at Birmingham’s Legion Field. Fullback Paul Davenport ran 27 yards for a first quarter touchdown and the defense was great again as the Panthers beat Austin 7-0. The oldest school in the state finally had their state football championship. 

“Everytime I see it rain,” says Coach Henderson. “I think about that game.”

“His legacy will always be winning that first championship,” said Condon. “It paved the way for the other Mobile schools.”

There were other strong teams at Murphy during Coach Henderson’s tenure. The 1989 squad allowed just 78 points and set a national record, yielding only 175 rushing yards in the regular season. The 1990 team had eight shutouts but both teams fell short in the title games.

Beyond wins, Henderson’s players valued his leadership. Star running back Michael Pierce credited him with keeping egos in check. “He coached me harder than anyone else,” Pierce said. “He just knew he needed to push me harder than I would push myself.”

Terry Curtis would eventually win more games than any coach in Alabama, but at one time was Larry’s assistant. “He taught me the value of hard work and attention to detail,” Curtis said. “Scouting, watching film—it all mattered to him.”

Henderson retired after the 1992 season with a 14-4 playoff record. He transitioned to school administration, eventually becoming Theodore High School’s principal. Today, he enjoys time with his wife, children, and six grandchildren, occasionally meeting with some of the old Murphy coaches for lunch to reminisce about their shared experiences and the bonds they built.

The 1983 championship remains Murphy’s only football title. “I hope the players thought I was fair,” Henderson said. “We worked hard, but I think their commitment to a task is what stuck with them. Many have gone on to great success.”

And all of them are grateful that an ole Mississippi boy picked up a newspaper during lunch so many years ago.

The Alabama Football Coaches Association is proud to present its Lifetime Achievement Award to Coach Larry Henderson.