Jerry Byrd has been named head football coach at Plain Dealing.
Byrd, the son of former longtime Press-Tribune sports editor Jerry Byrd, made the announcement Thursday on Facebook. He replaces Clint Walker, who stepped down after three seasons.
Byrd has spent the last seven years as an assistant principal at Byrd but he has plenty of coaching experience.
He served as head coach at North Caddo (2003-05), North DeSoto (2006-07), Huntington (2008) and again at North Caddo (20012-13).
In 2014, he accepted the position of assistant principal at Youree Drive Middle School.
Byrd is a former standout offensive lineman at Byrd and Louisiana Tech. He has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in journalism from Tech and a Masters in the Art of Teaching from Centenary College.
In a Bossier Parish Schools press release, Byrd thanked Plain Dealing Principal Jason Edwards for the opportunity. He thanked his wife of 22 years, Amanda, in his Facebook post.
“While it’s bittersweet leaving my alma mater — The City of Byrd — where I have had the great pleasure to serve as a school leader for the past seven years, I know that Plain Dealing is where I am meant to be.
“I am beyond excited and honored to step into this role. For me, it’s more than just leading a high school football team — it’s about joining a family, embracing a beautiful, historic community, and working together to create something truly special.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Byrd to the Lion family,” Edwards said in the press release. “His extensive experience, proven leadership skills, and a strong vision for growth and excellence are exactly what we need to elevate our football and athletics programs. Coach Byrd’s commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field aligns perfectly with our school’s values and community expectations.”
Byrd is taking over a program that is among the smallest in Class 1A. In the 2023 reclassification year, Plain Dealing’s enrollment was listed as 81. Non-football schools that size were put in Class C.
The school has seen a decline in the number of players over the years. Lions coaches have had to use middle-school age athletes just to be able to field a team.
Injuries have taken their toll. The Lions were forced to forfeit a game against Jonesboro-Hodge in Week 8 last season but returned to the field for their final two games.
Plain Dealing, a member of District 1-1A which includes 2024 non-select Division I runner-up Haynesville, will take a 34-game losing streak into the 2025 season.
Plain Dealing is seeking a head boys basketball coach. Eddie Hamilton stepped down after one season.
Anyone interested in the position can contact PrincipyEdwards at [email protected].