McAlester Public Schools is excited to announce the hiring of Jeff Craig as the new head football coach for the Buffaloes. The MPS Board voted unanimously to hire Coach Craig last night during their board meeting. Coach Craig brings an impressive track record of leadership, experience, and success to the McAlester football program.
Coach Craig began his football journey at Morris High School and went on to play quarterback for East Central University (ECU) from 1983 to 1987, leading the Tigers as quarterback from 1985 to 1987. After graduating, he launched his coaching career at ECU, serving on the staff in 1988 and again from 1991 to 1993. During his tenure, ECU claimed the 1993 NAIA National Championship, a testament to his dedication and expertise.
Following his time at ECU, Coach Craig joined the staff at Carl Albert High School, where he contributed to the Titans’ back-to-back Class 5A State Championships in 1997 and 1998. His success continued as he became the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Del City High School in 1999, leading the program until 2007.
In 2007, Coach Craig took the reins at Blanchard High School as Head Football Coach, further cementing his reputation as a transformational leader in Oklahoma high school football with 173 career victories. Since 2013 Coach Craig has also served as the Athletic Director at Blanchard. Coach Craig led Blanchard to two State Championships in Football in 2023 and 2012. Additionally, under his leadership, Blanchard has won the Class 3A Powerlifting State Championship three times in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Superintendent Dr. Robert Steeber stated, “Coach Craig’s dedication to fostering excellence on and off the field aligns perfectly with our vision for McAlester Athletics. His vast experience and championship pedigree will inspire our student-athletes to reach their full potential.” McAlester Athletic Director James Singleton echoed these sentiments, adding, “We are excited to welcome Coach Craig to the Buffalo family. His history of success and leadership will bring renewed energy to our football program. We are confident he will continue building a strong foundation for our student-athletes, both athletically and academically.”
Coach Craig’s appointment marks a new chapter for the McAlester Buffaloes, as the district continues to prioritize excellence in athletics and academics. Under his guidance, the Buffaloes are poised to build on their proud tradition of football success.
Please join us in welcoming Coach Jeff Craig to McAlester Public Schools and supporting him as he leads our herd. A Meet & Greet Event is scheduled for Tuesday, January 14th at Downtown 312 from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm. Go Buffs!
Career Highlights and Achievements
2023 District 4A-2 Football Coach of the Year
2023 OSSAA Class 4A Football State Champions
2023 The Oklahoman Little All-City Coach of the Year
2020 OSSAA Class 4A Football State Semi-Finalist
2020 District 4A-2 Football Coach of the Year
2018 Oklahoma Region 5 Football Coach of the Year
Three-time Class 3A Powerlifting State Champions (2013, 2014, 2015)
2017 OSSAA Class 4A Football State Semi-Finalist
2013 OSSAA Class 3A Football State Runner Up
2013 Oklahoma Chapter of the NFF/College Hall of Fame Coach of the Year
2013 Oklahoma Region 5 Football Coach of the Year
2013 District 3A-1 Football Coach of the Year
2012 The Oklahoman Little All-City Coach of the Year
2012 OSSAA Class 3A Football State Champions
2011 Canadian Valley Conference Golf Coach of the Year
2006 Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State Football Coach
2002 Jim Thorpe All-Star Game – Head Coach
2000 6A-1 District Runner-up—1st Round Playoffs – Del City
1999 6A-2 District Champions—State Quarterfinalists – Del City
1999 Fox Broadcasting Co./KNOR 1400—Class 6A Coach of the Year – Del City
1998 5A Football State Champions – OC / Secondary Coach
1997 5A Football State Champions – OC / Secondary Coach
1997 Tennis State Champions—No. 2 Doubles (1st ever at CAHS) – Head Coach
1993 NAIA Football National Champions—ECU – QB/RB Coach
1992 Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference Champions—ECU – QB/RB Coach
