Demopolis Middle School will have a new football coach for the second time in as many years after a rash of cuts this week left Daniel Flowers among the 22 Demopolis City Schools employees without work.

Demopolis City Schools Superintendent Dr. Al Griffin declined to comment on the dismissal of Flowers and the dismissal of all other non-tenured employees. Griffin did indicate that all cuts made were the product of proration rather than performance.

“They didn’t give me a particular reason why they cut me. They made it seem like it was budget reasons,” Flowers said of his dismissal. “It is shocking just a little bit.”

Flowers, who led his team to a strong season in the fall before winning a pair of spring jamboree games earlier this month, said that he is not bitter about his departure and expressed his gratitude toward the school system for giving him an opportunity to coach.

Demopolis Middle School history teacher and last year’s assistant coach, Wes Byler, will serve as the team’s interim coach.