Clayton News Daily

By Derrick Mahone

dmahone@news-daily.com

Another year, another football coaching change will occur at Forest Park.

Jajuan Wright will not return next season after leading the Panthers to a 2-8 record, according to school athletics director John Patterson.

Wright stepped in a few days into spring practice after Nick Mvros , who had taken the position, wasn't offered a teaching contract because of system-wide budget cuts. This was Wright's first head coaching position after serving several years in the youth leagues.

Patterson said that Wright would remain at the school in his teaching position.

The football position at Forest Park has become somewhat of a revolving door with five new coaches in the last eight seasons with none staying more than two seasons. Forest Park hasn't had a winning season since 2000, and last made the playoffs in 1996.

Patterson said that first-year principal Derrick Manning decided to go in a different direction with the football program.

"In doing this Mr. Manning, has developed a multi-year plan which will begin with bringing in an experienced football head coach and staff," Patterson wrote in e-mail sent to several media outlets. "He is as passionate about athletic programs as he is his academic programs. Mr. Manning is committed to bringing back the rich tradition of competiveness, stability, and achievement to football."

The Panthers started the 2010 season at 0-5 before defeating Riverdale 19-7. Its other win came from a forfiet from Mount Zion after it self-reported to the Georgia High School Association that it used an ineligible player during its first seven games.