McGill-Toolen head coach David Faulkner, left, and Vigor head coach Markus Cook meet at midfield before play resumes after a rain delay in a spring football game Saturday, May 20, 2023, in Prichard, Ala. Cook told AL.com Thursday he had resigned as Vigor's coach. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com)
Markus Cook is out as Vigor’s head football coach after two seasons.
“As of now, I’m still an employee of Mobile County,” Cook said Thursday afternoon. “God closes one door to open bigger doors. Maybe high school, maybe college, maybe out of state. I’ve got some options. I’ve turned down some things. God makes no mistakes.”
Vigor interim principal Tiffany Buchanan did not immediately return a phone or text message. Cook said he was given the opportunity to resign so the school could move in a different direction.
“I wish Vigor well,” Cook said. “It was a great experience. I love the kids to death, and I with them well.”
MCPSS director of communications Rena Philips sent the following statement to AL.com:
“Today, Markus Cook was relieved of head football coaching duties at Vigor High School. Vigor administrators met with coach Cook, the football players and coaches today and will meet with the parents soon. The Wolfpack will continue its summer conditioning as scheduled, while the search for a new coach begins. Vigor has a tradition of excellence and will continue to make its community proud.”
Cook went 12-7 in his two years as Vigor’s head coach, but the Wolves failed to make the playoffs each season. A forfeit loss against UMS-Wright cost them a postseason berth in 2023.
Cook grew up in Prichard and graduated from Vigor in 2013. After graduating from Vigor, Cook was an All-American center at Jackson State and earned a Masters at West Alabama.
He started his coaching career at Vigor in 2017 as the run-game coordinator and offensive line coach. He was the co-offensive coordinator when the Wolves won the Class 4A state title in 2021.
He was named interim coach when John McKenzie was put on administrative leave by former principal Gerald Cunningham and eventually named the full-time head coach.
“It was a great opportunity that I will cherish forever,” he said.
Thank you God for closed doors 🙌🏿
This post will be updated
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