Canyon ISD officially named Jeff Lofton as the new head football coach and boys coordinator at West Plains High School on May 11, signaling a new chapter for one of the Texas Panhandle’s fastest-growing football programs.
Lofton steps into the position after serving as the Wolves’ associate head football coach and head powerlifting coach since the school opened. He was part of the original coaching staff assembled under former head coach Adam Cummings, who recently moved into a new leadership role within Canyon ISD.
The veteran coach brings more than 20 years of experience to the job and arrives with a strong track record of success at multiple Texas high school programs. Before joining West Plains, Lofton spent 13 seasons at Idalou Independent School District, including nine years as athletic director and head football coach.
During his tenure at Idalou, Lofton guided the Wildcats to a 73-33 overall record while leading the program to the playoffs every season. His teams also made a run to the state semifinals, helping establish Idalou as one of the region’s most consistent small-school programs.
Lofton’s leadership extended beyond the football field. Under his direction, Idalou earned the 2022 National Football Foundation Academic Excellence Award, highlighting the program’s commitment to achievement in the classroom as well as athletics.
He also currently serves on the Texas High School Coaches Association Region 1 Board of Directors, adding another layer of leadership experience to his resume.
