2018 To Be Coach Mike Malham's Final Season as Cabot Panthers Head Football Coach

Media Release: June 20, 2018

Cabot, AR – Cabot Panthers Head Football Coach Mike Malham has announced he is retiring following the upcoming 2018 football season. Coach Malham is the winningest active coach in Arkansas high school football with currently 297 wins heading into his final coaching season. He is also the second winningest football coach in Arkansas high school history.

Coach Malham was named head coach at Cabot High School in 1981. His current 37 year record at Cabot (1981-2017) is 297-133-4. He has led the Panthers to two State Championships, one in 1983 with a record of 13-1, and the second in 2000 with a record of 14-0. He also has three state runner-up titles (1997, 13-1, 1998, 12-2, and 2013, 12-1) and has led his team to the state semi-finals 11 times. Coach Malham has also won 15 conference championships during his tenure at Cabot.

Coach Malham began his college career at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro playing tight end in 1972, but was later moved to linebacker for the 1973, 1974, and 1975 seasons. Malham is the fourth leading tackler in ASU's football history and a two-time All-Southland linebacker. He was also named an Academic All-American. Malham was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 17th round in 1976. 

Superintendent Dr. Tony Thurman stated, “Mike Malham is a coaching legend. He comes from a football family and pours his heart into our athletes. It's been amazing watching him on the field. He will truly be missed but will always be part of our Cabot Panther family. We wish him the best in retirement.”

Following the 2018 football season, Coach Malham plans to spend more time with his two young grandchildren and work on his wife's honey-do list. “I've spent half my life here at Cabot,” says Malham, “I'm not sure how I'll feel after leaving, it's bittersweet, but I'm a lifetime member and will always be a Cabot Panther fan.”

Coach Malham was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. His father was also inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.