ferriday — Ferriday High School hopes it finally has a football coach that will be in for the long haul.

Cleothis Cummings became the Trojans fourth head coach in as many seasons when he was announced as the man chosen to replace departed coach Richard Oliver at the Concordia Parish School Board meeting Thursday night.

“It’s been a dream (to coach at Ferriday),” Cummings said. “For someone to get the chance to coach at their alma mater, it’s a big gift. I am from Ferriday. I’ve got an anchor on my legs here. I’m not going anywhere.”

Concordia Parish School Board Superintendent Paul Nelson and Ferriday assistant principal James Davis interviewed candidates Thursday, and Nelson told Cummings he was the man for the job.

“I told him to wear his black and gold suit tonight,” Nelson said. “I feel like he’s the right man for the job, and I believe he’s going to be with us for some time.”

Cummings has served as an assistant coach at Ferriday for the past nine seasons, and he said having familiarity with the school and players would help the transition.

“It’s going to help a lot,” he said. “I’ve been through the changes with different coaches, and it’s been like a roller coaster. I’m just making sure we get some stability.”

Cummings said he knows the Trojan players are focused this summer.

“These kids have a huge chip on their shoulders, and they are ready to get it done,” he said.

Cummings said the players have been working out since the beginning of June, and fall camp will begin Aug. 6.

Cummings said he has not yet filled out his coaching staff, but the wheels are in motion to try to build a successful group of coaches.

“We are still working on that,” he said. “Things are in place. We’ve got some guys that are non-faculty, but we have to get some people to help out from the faculty.”

School board member Fred Butcher said he hopes the board will help Cummings build a successful program.

“I encourage (Nelson) and the board, to find Coach Cummings some help because he can’t do it all by himself,” Butcher said.