AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Canyon ISD has named Jeff Lofton as the new head football coach and boys coordinator at West Plains High School, promoting him from his role as associate head coach.
The announcement came a month after Adam Cummings made the transition within the district to Executive Director of Schools and Leadership.
Coaching background
Lofton spent the past four seasons as associate head coach under Cummings. Before joining West Plains, he served as head coach at Idalou, his hometown, where he compiled a 73-33 record leading the Wildcats.
He is nearing his 25th year in coaching. His assistant coaching career included stops at Midlothian (2002-04), Midland Greenwood (2004-05), Monterey (2005-07) and Kennedale (2008-09). He returned to Idalou in 2009, working four seasons as an assistant before his promotion to head coach.
Four years ago, Lofton left Idalou to help establish the football program at West Plains.
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Program success
The Wolves have qualified for the postseason each year since the school opened. Two seasons ago, West Plains advanced to the state semifinals. The coaching staff includes multiple former head coaches.
Lofton’s vision
Lofton said leaving Idalou was difficult but represented an opportunity to build something new.
“It’s your chance to leave a legacy, even though things were great,” Lofton said. “Had great people, great coaches, great staff and admin there, but at the same time, it was a chance to leave your legacy on a brand new school. To be the first, that’s special.”
He said the program’s core values will remain unchanged.
“We’re going to love on your kid,” he said. “We’re going to treat them like family. We’re going to treat them fairly, and I can’t wait to get after it.”
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Maintaining stability
After Cummings’ departure, Lofton focused on keeping the program steady.
“We didn’t want to miss a beat,” he said. “Nothing changed. I didn’t want them rattled one second, so things stayed the same. I let them know everything was going to be okay, even though you don’t know whether it’s really going to be okay or not.”
Athletic director’s perspective
Canyon ISD Athletic Director John Peterson said Lofton’s understanding of the program distinguished him during the hiring process.
“He was on the defensive side coaching, he’s was on the offensive side, he’s been a special teams coordinator,” Peterson said. “He really, truly understands what that culture of West Plains football is. We just can’t wait for him to put his spin on the next chapter of West Plains High School.”
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