Cluff approved as next Perry Central football coach

From Staff Reports

Perry Central High School has a new head football coach and the new face of the PCHS program is one that will be familiar to many Bulldog fans.

Craig Cluff was approved by the Perry County Board of Education on Monday as the Bulldogs’ new coach. Cluff is replacing Wesley McLain, who after three years leading the Bulldogs, is transitioning to a full-time administrator’s roll with the school district.

Cluff, who has 22 years of coaching and teaching experience under his belt, was the offensive coordinator at PCHS under Perry Wheat from 2004-2006. He held that same position at Purvis High School from 2006-2018 and has spent the past three years as offensive coordinator and associate head coach at Columbia High School.

Perry Central Principal Jerel Wade recommended Cluff for the position at Monday’s regular monthly meeting of the school board. The nomination was approved unanimously.

McLain posted a 12-18 record during his three seasons at PCHS and made the MHSAA Playoffs in each of those seasons. His 2020 Bulldog team won a region title. McLain will remain on campus at Perry Central as the school’s assistant principal and athletic director. He will also serve as the director of the school district’s Alternative Learning Program.

See this week’s print edition for more details about Cluff and his plans for PRCC.