LOVINGTON — Josh Bailey, offensive coordinator for the Wildcats since 2020, has been named head football coach for Lovington.

“I’m excited,” said Bailey. “I told the kids the reason I wanted this job is because of them. I love them and I am excited about the opportunity to help our kids reach their potential on and off the field.”

He says the football program already has a winning tradition established and he plans to continue that tradition.

“Wildcat football has always been a big part of my family,” he said, pointing out that his dad, Michael, was on the 1990 State Championship team and he played as a wide receiver when the Wildcats won the State Championship in 2009.

Bailey joined the Wildcat coaching staff at the height of the COVID pandemic. He was part of the Bowl Game Championship team captured by the Wildcats in the spring of 2020 and the Cats won the 2021 State Championship the next fall.

He helped coach the Wildcats to a State Championship this past season.

Lovington will be moving up to Class 5A this upcoming season and will be competing in a larger class and larger district.