Clayton Fryar, the newly appointed Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Garden City ISD, is stepping into a leadership role that’s full of promise and excitement.
After being hired in June 2025, Fryar is already making his mark during the Bearkats’ preseason football workouts. His wife, Janie Fryar, is standing by his side, supporting him as they both start on this new chapter in their careers.
After spending the past two years as an assistant coach at Garden City, working under former coach Jeff Jones, Clayton Fryar is now leading the Bearkats into the 2025 season.
This marks the first time in over a decade that Garden City will be coached by someone other than Jeff Jones, who led the team to several district titles and a state semifinal appearance.
Fryar, known for his extensive background in both football and basketball coaching, is bringing his experience and vision to the team. Reflecting on his new role, Fryar shared;
“It’s a new adventure. I’m excited about it. I’ve had the time of my life these last two days. I’ve been preparing for it all summer. We’ve got a great coaching staff in place, so that makes it even better. It’s just fun to be a part of.”
Janie Fryar, who serves as the Academic Coordinator at Garden City High School, has been a steady source of support for Clayton throughout this transition.
Their shared commitment to their community, as well as to their children, has been a defining feature of their journey together.
Janie Fryar Is The Backbone Of Clayton’s Support
Janie Fryar is no stranger to the world of high school athletics. Over the years, she’s seen her husband rise through the ranks, and together, they have raised their children, Max and Morris, alongside their coaching career.

Janie recalls some of her fondest memories, particularly when she saw Clayton coaching their sons in basketball tournaments and state games. She shared;
“Watching my husband coach my oldest son in the Regional basketball Tournament, as his head coach, then watching my husband coach our youngest son in the state semi-final game as an assistant coach; plus countless memories with other players and their families.”
These experiences remind her of the deep bond between a coach and his players, and the impact that goes far beyond the field.
However, Janie also shares the challenges of being a coach’s wife, especially when they had to leave a community they had invested in for over a decade.
She added, “Having to leave a job I loved and my home because we were no longer the best fit for the school & community where we had invested 11 years, while moving my son for his senior year… But God had blessings in store.”

Her support for Clayton is evident in her approach to their life together, focusing on communication, understanding, and creating space for their individual roles within the family.
Janie’s advice for other coaches’ wives is simple but powerful: “Try to honor his time at work, on the field, with the team as his calling, and allow him that space to do his job well. Be as involved as you can be but not at the expense of yourself.”
The Future Of Garden City Football
Clayton Fryar is optimistic about the upcoming season, especially after inheriting a team with only three starters lost from the previous season’s 4-6 record.
With a strong coaching staff in place and a solid group of returning players, Fryar is ready to take the Bearkats to new heights.
His leadership style emphasizes fun, energy, and pride in representing the community, even in the face of tough districts and schedules.
“I expect us to have a lot of fun, a lot of energy, and a lot of pride and passion, ’cause that’s what Garden City is known for,” said Fryar, setting high expectations for his team.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Clayton Fryar was head coach at Whitharral for 11 years before moving to Garden City, where he spent two years as an assistant coach before being appointed head football coach and athletic director.
- Janie Fryar is a passionate academic coordinator, focusing on shaping the future of students at Garden City High School while supporting her husband’s demanding coaching career.
- Clayton Fryar is known for his versatile coaching background, excelling in both football and basketball, a unique blend that has helped him build strong relationships with athletes across different sports.