Duran McLaurin Leaves Seventy-First to Coach Football at Hoke County High

Duran McLaurin will lead football at Hoke County High School. He compiled a 160-37 mark across 13 seasons at Seventy-First. The Hoke County Board of Education approved McLaurin's appointment on Feb. 10.

McLaurin guided the Falcons to six conference titles during his tenure. His squads made 11 state playoff runs. They reached consecutive state championship contests in 2023 and 2024.

Five undefeated regular seasons marked McLaurin's time at Seventy-First. The Falcons also won 33 straight conference matchups.

"I am truly honored and excited to step into the role of head football coach at Hoke High," McLaurin said in a statement, per On3. "This community has a rich tradition of hard work, resilience, and pride, and I can't wait to get to work with our players, coaches, families, and fans to build something special. We're going to compete with heart, develop great young men, and bring energy and passion to every day."

McLaurin inherits a squad that has faltered. Six consecutive losing campaigns have plagued Hoke County. The Fighting Bucks last posted a winning year in 2019 when they went 8-5.

Dr. George Small, who coached at the college ranks previously, steps aside for McLaurin. Hoke County competes at the 8A classification and serves as the county's sole high school.

McLaurin previously coached at E.E. Smith Senior High School in Fayetteville between 2009 and 2012. He produced three straight winning campaigns there and captured the 2012 Conference Championship, which earned him Coach of the Year recognition.

McLaurin assisted with the 2025 N.C. Shrine Bowl. He also worked the 2017 East-West All-Star game.