McFerren returns to fill New Madrid's coaching vacancy

Lennies McFerren is back in coaching.

And he's back at the same school from which he stepped down in 2001 -- New Madrid County Central -- it was announced late Monday night.

After Scott Kruse resigned the boys basketball post last month, NMCC opened a job search, but none of the applicants were as attractive to the school as bringing McFerren back for another run.

McFerren, 56, has been serving as NMCC's assistant principal and athletic director since retiring from coaching in 2001.

McFerren coached the Eagles from 1994 to 2001, compiling a record of 121-70, including three district championships and two state championships in 2000 and 2001. He was named National Coach of the Year in 2001.

Following his retirement, the program was 23-54 in three years, including 6-20 this past season.

McFerren, a 1966 Howardville High School graduate, went to Three Rivers Community College and Southeast Missouri State University before taking his first coaching job at Charleston, where he helped build the program into a state power.

He was head coach of the Bluejays from 1977 to 1993, leading them to seven state titles, including a 33-0 run in 1990.

"New Madrid County Central gave me an opportunity to come in there in 1994," McFerren said. "I just want to enjoy, work hard, and see what we can get out of each other. It's all about the school. It's not about Lennies McFerren."