He served as the head football coach at Mississippi State University from 1962 to 1966, compiling a record of 20–28–2.

[1] The team finished the season with a 16–12 victory over North Carolina State in front of 8,309 fans at the 1963 Liberty Bowl played in a bitter cold Philadelphia.

[4] United Press International named Davis the SEC Coach of the Year for the 1963 season.

[1] After a 2–8 record in the 1966 season, Mississippi State dismissed Davis, as well as athletic director Wade Walker.

[5] Charles Shira, who had been defensive coach for the University of Texas, was named to fill both vacant positions.