Muskogee High School has found their next head football coach. Guthrie’s Rafe Watkins has accepted the position at the Class 6A school. The announcement was made official on Friday afternoon.
Rafe Watkins accepted the Muskogee head football job on Friday. Muskogee Public Schools photo.
The Guthrie blue polo shirts are now Muskogee green. Gone is the “G” and replaced with the “M”.
“We’re thrilled to have him,” MHS superintendent Mike Garde said in a media release. “Coach Watkins comes with the experience to move Muskogee in a positive direction. His proven experience in 5A football will be beneficial in developing our students into champions on and off the field.”
Watkins was one of three semifinalist after a selection committee narrowed down the list from 50 applicants. Wagoner coach Dale Condict and McAlester coach Bryan Pratt were the other two semifinalists.
Watkins, who also served as Guthrie’s co-athletic director, is expected to be on the job on Tuesday and is making temporary living arrangements in Muskogee. His son, Hunter currently a sophomore, will soon be making the move in time for spring practices. His wife Karen, who is the principal at Fogarty Elementary, is expected to finish the school year in Guthrie before making the move.
Last week, Broken Arrow selected David Alexander as their head coach with Watkins just missing out on the Tiger’s head position.
Although not confirmed, none of the Guthrie assistants are expected to follow Watkins to Muskogee.
The Roughers have struggled for wins over the last several seasons by just winning 16 of their last 52 games, including a 3-7 record in 2013. However, beginning next season, Muskogee will play in 6A’s new format in Division II. Now, the Roughers will not have to compete against the likes of Jenks, Tulsa Union and Broken Arrow for a state championship.
During his 13 seasons at Guthrie, Watkins compiled a 133-30 record with 12 trips to the playoffs and helped claim all four state championships (2002, 2007, 2011 and 2013) in school history. He led three teams to unbeaten seasons (2007, 2011 and 2013) and turned the program into a powerhouse eventually over night.
Prior to Watkins arrival (2001), the 2000 BlueJays went 6-4 for the program’s first winning season since 1991.
Related story: Reports: Rafe Watkins next head coach at Muskogee
