Stephen Burris is no longer the football coach for Franklinton High School.
Franklinton principal Renee Burris said that Jonathan Barber will serve as the team’s interim head football coach until the advertising and interviewing period has passed.
“A final decision on the position will be made within the next two weeks,” Renee Burris said. “Our coaching staff is working together and moving forward with spring practice. We invite everyone to come out Friday, May 18, at 6:30 to support the Demons in our spring game against Loranger.”
Stephen Burris was a longtime assistant coach for the Demons before spending the last two seasons as the team’s head coach, in which he posted regular season records of 5-5 and 3-7.
The Demons made the playoffs each year. Franklinton lost in the opening round both seasons.
“I love Franklinton High School football with all my heart, and every decision I made in my 21 years was for the benefit of my players and the program,” Stephen Burris said. “I never asked for anything in return, and I’m very thankful for the opportunity I was given. Teaching and coaching is a calling, not a job, and I’m thankful for the opportunity I was given to impact young men’s lives through the greatest sport ever created.
“It’s a hard time right now for me and my family, but we are incredibly thankful for all the kind words we have received from friends and former players. One thing I always told my players was that everyone deals with adversity in life, and it’s how you handle it that determines what type of man you are. Life will go on and we will be stronger from this experience. Go Demons!”
Franklinton is hosting Loranger in its spring game that will take place Friday, May 18, at 6:30 p.m.