Just weeks after Adam Cummings stepped down as head football coach of West Plains, the program has found its next leader—and it’s a familiar face with a proven track record.
Jeff Lofton, who brings over two decades of experience coaching at multiple Texas high schools, was officially introduced as the second head coach in West Plains history during a Canyon ISD board meeting Monday. Prior to the appointment, Lofton served as the associate head football coach and head powerlifting coach for the Wolves.
The move comes after Cummings, who led the program for four seasons, announced he would not return as head coach for the 2026 campaign. Canyon ISD revealed on April 13 that Cummings had accepted a new district role as Executive Director of Schools and Leadership. Cummings leaves a strong legacy, posting a 42-13 record, guiding the Wolves to the postseason each year, and claiming back-to-back undefeated District 2-4A Division I titles, including a quarterfinal run in 2025.
“Four years ago, I left Idalou and decided to come with coach Cummings here to Canyon ISD,” Lofton said Monday night, as reported by longtime Amarillo sports journalist Lance Lahnert. “I knew it was going to be fun because you don’t open up very many schools in West Texas. I thought it would be a great opportunity, under his leadership, to help him put his stamp and his legacy on the program. I was just blessed to come along for the ride. He did such a great job hiring such a good staff.”
Before joining West Plains, Lofton spent 13 years at Idalou High School, including nine as head football coach and athletic director. During that span, he led the Wildcats to a 73-33 record. In 2023, Lofton was reportedly set to take the head coaching job at Brownfield but instead chose to remain at West Plains, where he had accepted an assistant role the previous year. Now, after several more seasons, he steps into the top role for the Wolves.
Lofton, a 1997 graduate of Idalou, began his coaching career as an assistant at the school in 2009, having previously worked at Midlothian (2002-04), Midland Greenwood (2004-05), Monterey (2005-07), and Kennedale (2008-09). He was 34 when named Idalou’s head coach. With his deep roots in Texas high school football, Lofton is poised to continue building on the foundation established by Cummings.
