Calera didn’t have to go far to find its new football coach.

Lanny Jones, who served as an assistant coach last season, was named the school’s new head coach Friday.

&uot;Coming off the big year we had (last season), the foundation has been set. I just hope to build on what we started,&uot; Jones said.

&uot;The big thing is discipline. We’re going to discipline the kids and make sure they work hard.&uot;

Jones replaces Ken Adams, who has taken the head coaching position at Ardmore High.

Calera was one of the county’s biggest surprises last season, soaring through the regular season with a 10-0 record. The Eagles lost in the second round of the Class 2A playoffs. Jones coached running backs, linebackers and special teams last season.

Before coming to Calera last season, he was a defensive coordinator for one season at New Hope in Columbus, Miss. He played his high school ball at Mantachie, Miss., and college football at Itawamba Community College before completing his studies at Mississippi State.

It didn’t take long for Jones to begin coaching duties. By Monday afternoon, he was out on the field for spring practice.

&uot;We’re going to work hard to continue the success we’ve had,&uot; he said. &uot;The biggest thing is for the kids to put their trust in us.&uot;

Calera should contend for the regional title again this season, as only four starters graduated from last year’s team. Jones expects 60 players will dress for summer practice – an unusually high number for Class 2A football.

The Eagles will play a spring game May 12 at home against Verbena and open the regular season Aug. 26 against Montevallo