Willie Brooks named head football coach at West Jefferson

West Jefferson has its new head football coach and it is a coach with experience and knowledge of the West Bank.

Willie Brooks has accepted the position, replacing Bryan Crayton, who spent just one year on the job, posting a 3-7 record. Crayton replaced Cyril Crutchfield, who spent four years (2015-18) as the head coach of the Buccaneers.

“We were looking for someone who would be committed to the West Jefferson football program but to West Jefferson High School,” West Jefferson athletic director Mary Carter said. “I’ve known Willie for quite some time since he was a very young coach, and I’ve followed him on and off the field. He has so much character and is well-respected on and off the field in the community and among all the football coaches.”

Brooks hopes to bring stability to the West Jefferson program, which will have its third coach in three years.

“Willie is a class act, and we felt he was the best choice for a smooth transition,” stressed Carter. “Our kids are resilient and deserve more. He focused in our interview about helping the kids make it to the next level in not only football but life as young adults.”

Crutchfield took over for Kevin Fox, who spent just one year on the job (2014).

Newly-hired Destrehan head coach Marcus Scott was the head coach at West Jefferson from 2008-13 (six seasons), succeeding legendary coach Hank Tierney, who served from 2002-07. Tierney took over for Byron Jones, who succeeded long time head coach Henry Crosby.

Brooks served as the head coach at Riverdale most recently (2017-19), stepping down at the end of last season. Brooks posted a 12-18 mark in three seasons.

Brooks previously served as the original head coach at Helen Cox from 2004-15 before serving as an assistant coach at De La Salle, his alma mater, in 2016 under Ryan Manale. Brooks also served previously as defensive coordinator at St. Augustine (2003) under Tyrone Payne and at Karr under Don Wattigny, serving as defensive coordinator from 1994-2002 when the Cougars reached a pair of state title games (1995, 1999).

“I think the world of Willie,” Wattigny said. “He is a great coach and a person. I have been knowing him since he was in high school when I was coaching at De La Salle. He was always hard working, good natured, jovial, with a real good personality. He’s a people person who gets along with the kids.”

Given a chance to reunite with Brooks in coaching, Wattigny did not hesitate to call on his former player.

“When I went to Karr, I needed to fill my staff,” Wattigny said. “I had Joe Zimmerman, among others, on my staff. After the first year, I was able to get Willie on staff. It was a great move. I had a lot of trust and faith in Willie. He got things done. I think he is a great hire. He is a quality person.”

Brooks started his coaching career as freshman coach at De La Salle in 1990 under Zimmerman. Brooks played at De La Salle and at Northwestern State.

“I am honored to receive this opportunity at an outstanding school,” Brooks told CrescentCitySports.com. “I have coached against West Jefferson and have seen what kind of program they have had and enjoyed for many years. It is a state championship program. Being a West Bank guy, it is a wonderful opportunity.”

Brooks knows the job is in need of some normalcy.

“It is tough on the kids, tough on the parents and tough on the school when you have so much turnover with the head coaching position,” Brooks said. “I am hopeful that I can be that person to provide stability to the program. My plan is to be here for a long, long time and to have great success. Those who have attended West Jefferson and love the school expect nothing less.”

West Jefferson last made the playoffs in 2013. The last playoff victory for the Buccaneers was in 2004. The Buccaneers won the 4A state championship in 1970.