Ridgeland High School’s New Head Coach

June 8, 2023

THE CITY OF RIDGELAND WELCOMES NEW RIDGELAND HIGH SCHOOL
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH AND ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

RIDGELAND, MS – The City of Ridgeland welcomes new Head Coach and Athletic Director, Todd McDaniel. Ridgeland High School Titans’ Athletics is gaining a great asset with McDaniel. Not only will McDaniel lead the Titans’ football team, but he will oversee and support all of Ridgeland High School’s athletic programs. McDaniel joined the team this spring and has already begun working with the Titans. This summer, McDaniel is preparing the football team for the 2023 season that kicks off on August 18 against the Petal Panthers.

Over the past years, McDaniel has served in several professional capacities and, most recently, as Head Football Coach at Vicksburg High School. He acquired 104 wins with only 51 losses, including five District Championships, five 3rd Round Playoff berths, and three South/North State half appearances. To add to this distinction, Mr. McDaniel received five Divisional Coach of the Year Awards and one MHSAA State Coach of the Year Award.

McDaniel has extensive experience in the fields of education and coaching. He was invited to the Minnesota Vikings training camp under the direction of Head Coach Leslie Frasier. In 2011, Todd was named Alcorn State University Interim Head Coach and served as defensive line coach. While at Hazlehurst High School, he served as Principal, Athletic Director, Director of Operations, and Head Football Coach.

He began his academic and coaching career at Crystal Springs High School as Defensive Coordinator and Head Track Coach in 2001. He returned to Hazlehurst in 2002 as Defensive Coordinator and posted 17 Shutouts, 4 District Championships, 1 South State Championship, and 1 State Championship in ’05. Coach McDaniel posted a 48-8 record and statistically the best defense in the state in three out of five years, according to the Clarion-Ledger.

In 2006, McDaniel was named Assistant Principal of Wingfield High School and provided instructional support to Science Department in addition to serving as the Head Football Coach. Before his arrival, Wingfield posted a 5-48 record. Coach McDaniel was successful in Wingfield’s first two winning seasons and a playoff berth in those two years.

While in college, Todd was a four-year starter as a Defensive End at Alcorn State University and an Honor student. He received his B.S. Degree in Elementary Education and an M.A. Degree in Secondary Education.

The City of Ridgeland looks forward to the new school year and great things to come with McDaniel at the helm. Ridgeland High School Athletic Department’s mission is to serve student- athletes by helping them to become champions in life.