Kenard Lang is stepping down after five seasons as the Jones head football coach to accept the same position at Wekiva.

“It was a wonderful opportunity that was presented. To me it’s a once in a lifetime dream,” Lang said, who accepted the job on Tuesday.

Jones went 7-5 this season and made it to the 4A region finals before losing to Cocoa. In the Tigers four playoff appearances, they were never able to make it past the second round. However, it was a major improvement from the Tigers 1-9 the season before he took over in 2008.

“Leaving Jones, I leave something behind. A program which was billed with being successful all the years I’ve been there," Lang added.

“I was used to winning and hopefully I can bring that same reputation to Wekiva.”

Lang knows the Apopka area well. He grew up in the neighboring community of Pine Hills and graduated from Evans High before spending 10 seasons in the NFL.

Lang, 37, went 30-25 during his tenure at Jones. No longer does he have to worry about three-time state champion Cocoa. With the move up in classification to 8A, Lang will now be concerned about schools like West Orange, Olympia and Apopka. The Blue Darters have ruled District 4 over the years and will play for its second state title on Saturday.

“Best thing about that is you see where you really stand as a program to a top elite program like Apopka. You can look at it as the glass half empty or half full. I’m a positive guy,” Lang said.

Jones offensive coordinator Charlie Frye and assistant coach Kyle Baker will be following Lang to Wekiva.

He takes over for Ty Parker who 18-43 during six seasons with the Mustangs.

Click on the link for an exclusive interveiw with Kenard Lang.