Hoke County has found its new head football coach from right down the road: Duran McLaurin. The longtime Raeford Road Rivalry will now feature a head coach who has been on both sides.
Hoke County High School announced the hiring of McLaurin, who was at Seventy-First, where his 160-37 record, 11 state playoffs appearances in 13 seasons and back-to-back state championship appearances in 2023 and 2024 are something the Bucks want him to replicate at his new school.
Before that, he was at E.E. Smith for four years, leading the school to three winning seasons, multiple state playoff appearances and the 2012 conference championship while being named Coach of the Year.
McLaurin also had five undefeated regular seasons and amassed a 33-game conference winning streak with the Falcons.
“McLaurin’s emphasis on player development, strategic planning and building a culture prioritizing academics, character and teamwork contributed to his selection,” Hoke High Athletic Director Antonio Covington said. “We are excited to welcome Coach McLaurin to our varsity football program.
“Coach McLaurin brings a proven track record of leadership and a passion for developing young men both on and off the field. His commitment to excellence aligns with our vision of building a competitive program where player development goes hand-in-hand with academic success.”
McLaurin said in a telephone interview last week, “It’s about resources and a single high school county with three feeder schools that helped lead me to consider Hoke County.”
In Cumberland County, the talent level is divided among several schools. In Hoke County, depth will be the key to winning. He sees no reason Hoke County cannot level up like Richmond County, Scotland County and even Tarboro and Reidsville schools.
The details of McLaurin’s hiring and timeline for his start date at Hoke High have not been confirmed yet, but he expects all that to be ironed out by the end of February and said he will plan a parent meet and greet as one of the first things near beginning of March 2026.
