Scott Oakley enters his 23rd season at Northwest and his 21st as a full-time assistant leading the Rangers’ wide receiver unit. A familiar face around the city of Senatobia, Oakley is the longest tenured coach on staff.
Oakley has helped guide Northwest to the postseason in 17 of his 23 seasons, including four bowl games and two appearances in the NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs. Additionally, Oakley has been a part of four conference championships and two national title teams (2015, 2020).
Under his tutelage, a total of 24 receivers or tight ends have gone on to collect all-conference honors, including 125 first-team selections. Oakley has also coached six NJCAA All-Americans in D.T. Sheffield (2021-22), Kevin Diaz (2022), Lance Ray (2011), Arena Football League veteran Michael Lindsey (2009) and two-time selection, John Harris (2002-03).
From 2020-22, Oakley helped mold Sheffield into one of the best receivers in Northwest history. After being granted a rare third year of eligibility due to COVID-19, the Corinth native ignored snub after snub from four-year programs and racked up record-breaking numbers from 2020-22. Sheffield, a member of the North Texas football roster, left Northwest as the Rangers' new record holder in career receptions (135) and career receiving touchdowns (26), while while finishing second in receiving yards behind Eric Smith (2,316; 1991-92).
Sheffield was just as dangerous on special teams, totaling 226 punt return yards on 20 attempts in 2022, earning both MACCC North Division Offensive and Special Teams Player of the Year accolades.
Oakley has had a hand in producing numerous Division I players, including the aforementioned Sheffield, Kevin Diaz (Arkansas State), Jacoby Jones (Ohio), Braden Smith (Louisville/Cincinnati), Monterio Hunt (Rutgers), 2018's top JUCO prospect JaVonta Payton (Mississippi State/Tennessee), Pro Wells (TCU), Jamarius Mabry (Jackson State), Derrell Lovelady (Southern Mississippi), Marcus Henry (Middle Tennessee State), Lance Ray (East Carolina), Myles White (Louisiana Tech) and Jamal Mosley (Ole Miss).
As a unit, the Rangers’ receiving corps has gone over 2,000 yards in 13 of the last 16 seasons. Last year, Northwest hauled in 162 catches for 2,173 total yards and 15 touchdowns, ranking in the top 20 nationally of all three categories. Leading the charge was Jarnorris Hopson's 35 receptions for 443 yards and four touchdowns, followed by 26 catches from Kyler Hutton, who finished with 422 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Although the aforementioned 2,000-yard streak was snapped due to a COVID-shortened 2020 season, the Rangers still totaled 99 catches for 1,426 yards and 13 touchdowns. As a freshman, Sheffield led the way with 20 catches for 358 yards and five touchdowns, followed by a pair of 200-yard receivers in E. Jai Mason and Keyon Fordham.
Northwest rebounded during the 2021 season, tallying up 3,109 en route to the 2021 MACCC title and an appearance in the inaugural NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs. Led by Sheffield's 1,000-yard effort, Oakley's unit also benefited from nearly 600 yards from E. Jai Mason and 366 yards from Jacoby Jones. In all, the Rangers' receiving corps ranked fourth in the nation and topped the conference in yards, while ranking 13th nationally with 21 touchdowns.
In 2019, Northwest totaled 178 receptions for 2,343 yards and 20 touchdowns. Two seasons ago, Northwest totaled 186 receptions for 2,398 yards, led by Smith's 45 receptions for 537 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Oakley’s first stint with the Northwest football program came as an assistant from the 2002-05 seasons under Bobby Franklin, serving as the running backs and wide receivers coach. He was also a student assistant for the Rangers during the 1998-99 seasons while earning his degree. Northwest was 20-4 with two north division championships, a conference championship and Mineral Water Bowl appearance.
Oakley then transferred to Ole Miss where he was a manager for three years during the David Cutcliffe era and head equipment manager during the 2001 season. While at Ole Miss, Oakley earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and was part of the Rebel football program that earned bowl berths in 1999 and 2001.
Away from the gridiron, Oakley also spent eight seasons as an assistant coach for the Ranger softball program. During his eight years, the Rangers compiled an overall record of 253-118-1, including a 125-49 mark against division opponents. Northwest also captured two division titles during his stay, while boasting four seasons of 30 or more wins.
A native of Senatobia, Oakley graduated from Senatobia High School in 1997 and lettered two years in football and three seasons in baseball. He was a member of the Warrior football team that claimed back-to-back district championships.
Oakley’s family has been a part of Ranger sports for many years. His grandfather, the late W.C. “Bill” Oakley, is a member of the Northwest Sports Hall of Fame while his cousins, Drew and Brooks, each lettered in baseball. His twin brother, Shane, enters his 12th season as an assistant on the men’s basketball staff at Northwest.
Oakley and his wife, Kalon, celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary on May 14, 2024. The couple has two children, Betsy Ann (6) and Jon Kenning (4).
