Austin Browning takes the reigns for Kofa football

Browning takes over as head coach of the struggling Kofa football program.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - It is a new era for Kofa High School football. After going winless for two consecutive seasons, with their last victory coming in 2022, the Kings are looking to turn the page under new head coach Austin Browning.

For Browning, this job is more than just football, it's personal. Kofa runs in his blood. His father once wore the Kings' uniform, and now Browning is determined to bring the same sense of pride and legacy back to the program.

"My biggest thing was kind of bringing back the old Kofa, the old entrance," Browning said. "I always tell the kids at the beginning of the year that there's someone always looking at you, watching from the stands and seeing this cool experience. It's deep, deep enriched in my our traditions and my family."

Last season, despite the winless record, Kofa showed flashes of potential, including a heartbreaking overtime loss to Antelope. Browning believes those close games reflect a team on the brink of change. The key, he says, is mindset.

"The 'so what' mentality is basically get over it, on to the next play," Browning said. "Things are going to go bad. I've gone through adversity. These kids have too. It's been three years without a win. Now, we're trying to change that by saying, 'we're one play away."

Under Browning's leadership, the Kings are putting in the work on the field and in the weight room. With 7-on-7 tournaments and scrimmages approaching, there's a renewed energy surrounding the program.