John McKenzie returns to coach Vigor, led Wolves to 4A title in 2021

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Vigor football has it’s new head coach and he’s a familiar face to the storied program. John McKenzie has returned to coach the Wolves, several sources confirmed to WKRG Sports Director Simone Eli, he led Vigor to the Class 4A state title in 2021.

McKenzie began coaching Vigor through summer workouts on Monday. He is set to be officially approved by Mobile County Public Schools at Wednesday morning’s board meeting.

McKenzie replaces Markus Cook — whose contract was not renewed by Vigor last month .

During the 2021 championship run, Cook served as the Wolfpack’s offensive coordinator under McKenzie. Cook was elevated to head coach when McKenzie’s contract was not renewed just seven months after leading Vigor to the program’s fourth state title. McKenzie had been on administrative leave at the school for four months — no reason was ever provided by MCPSS officials. McKenzie was 19-6 overall in two years at Vigor, his first head coaching opportunity.

Just days after being non-renewed at Vigor, McKenzie was announced as the new head coach at Murphy High School — both schools are in the Mobile County Public School System. The Panthers finished 2-7 in one season under McKenzie.

McKenzie spent last year as the head coach at Paul Bryant High School, near Tuscaloosa. The Stampede finished 3-7 in 2023.

Vigor was dominant under McKenzie in 2021 — the Wolves posted more than 500 total points on the season, nearly 35 per game. Vigor ran the table in the 4A playoffs — defeating postseason opponents 194-45 in five games — which included a 52-14 rout of Oneonta in the 4A title game.

Vigor High School has seen several changes in the last few years. In August of 2023, Gerald Cunningham resigned as principal after MCPSS officials say he mismanaged $100k of school funds . Cunningham has been put on administrative leave in March of 2023.

Former Vigor assistant principal Tiffany Buchanan has taken over as interim principal at the school.

This story will be updated.

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