For a moment, Starkville Academy linebackers coach Tate Fischer couldn’t find the words to describe being honored as one of the best assistant high school football coaches in the country.

He paused for a moment to think about it, then said, “It’s real humbling.”

The veteran coach, who is entering his seventh year at SA and spent 29 years coaching at Starkville High School, was tabbed as Mississippi’s High School Broyles Award winner on Tuesday, the school announced. The award, named after College Football Hall of Fame coach Frank Broyles, was launched in 2019 and is given out by the same organization that honors the best assistant coach in the college ranks. Each year, one coach from each participating state is chosen for the award. This year, there were 37 states participating. 

“Just to be recognized by an organization that is attributed to Coach Broyles is truly an honor,” he said.

After helping the Volunteers to a 5-6 season last year, Fischer learned in the spring that he had been nominated for the award, but didn’t know he was selected until June. 

“I was very excited. I mean, more honored than I was excited,” Fischer said. “Like I said, it’s very humbling to me to be recognized. For one, I’ve really never been the one (who) liked being in the spotlight; I kind of like being in the background doing my job, and classically that’s what an assistant coach does. I’ve been blessed. I’ve had some great athletes at both places, I’ve worked with some really good coaches at both places, and I’ve taken a little bit of each of them into what I do.

“I think my strongest attribute over my career has been just the relationships that I’ve been able to build with my players and the other coaches. Just going to work everyday and doing your job; sometimes going above what you’re supposed to do. The work has to get done.” 

Fischer will join the 36 other coaches from different states for the awards ceremony in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on Feb. 13, 2026. He said he’s excited to get there – though, not as excited as his wife.

“My wife is probably really looking forward to just a trip,” he said with a laugh. “We get to stay at some big resort. I think it has a race track and a big casino. We won’t be taking any money with us.”