John McKenzie was fired as Vigor’s coach Friday after taking the Wolves to the Class 5A semifinals. He was also placed on administrative leave after directing Vigor to the 2021 Class 4A state title. (John O’Dell/Call News)
By ARTHUR L. MACK
Vigor coach John McKenzie parted ways with the school Friday for the second time in four years, according to the Mobile County Public School System.
McKenzie was fired after leading the Wolves to a 12-2 finish and a berth in the Class 5A semifinals. He succeeded Marcus Cook, who was fired just as suddenly last summer.
McKenzie was also put on administrative leave after leading Vigor to the 2021 Class 4A state title, then left to take the Murphy job.
Attempts to reach McKenzie for comment Friday were unsuccessful but MCPSS Director of Communications Rena Phillips confirmed to the Call News that McKenzie was removed as the Wolves’ coach but is still on the teaching staff. Citing MCPSS policy, Phillips said she could not comment on why McKenzie was fired.
McKenzie was 31-8 in his two stints at Vigor, including a 14-1 finish in 2021. After winning the state title, McKenzie was placed on administrative leave two months later but was hired as Murphy’s head coach in 2022. He spent one season there and one at Paul Bryant High in 2023 before returning to the Wolves.
“I’m overjoyed (to be back at Vigor),” McKenzie told the Call News last July. “I was happy I was able to come back. I love the Mobile County Public School System and Vigor. When you’re at a big-time program like Vigor, you can have a lot.”
