AHSAA hires assistant director for private schools

The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) is welcoming a familiar face to its leadership team. Buster Daniel, the long-time Lee-Scott football coach, is stepping away from the sidelines after six successful years to take on a pivotal new role as assistant director for independent schools.

A New Era for Private Schools

AHSAA executive director Heath Harmon announced the appointment on Tuesday, highlighting that Daniel will be the primary lead for the association's private school operations. The move comes as the organization continues to navigate major structural shifts, specifically following the Central Board's January vote to separate private and public schools during championship play. This transition includes the formation of a private school advisory committee, a team Daniel is now tasked with spearheading.

Proven Leadership

Harmon emphasized that the 63-year-old Daniel possesses the perfect background to guide this initiative. "He grew up in the AHSAA as a student-athlete and later as coach, and he has spent the last six years coaching at Lee-Scott Academy, one of our member independent schools," Harmon stated. "He understands the challenges moving forward and is just the right person to move us forward as we embrace the exciting changes that reclassification provide."

Daniel’s tenure at Lee-Scott was marked by significant achievement. He compiled a 47-19 record, securing AISA Class AAA state titles in 2022 and 2023 before helping the school transition into the AHSAA, where the program notched records of 5-5 in 2024 and 9-3 in 2025.

A Storied Career

Beyond Lee-Scott, Daniel brings over three decades of experience to the AHSAA. He previously led his alma mater, Valley, for three seasons and spent over two decades at Opelika High, where he served in various capacities, including assistant head coach and coordinator roles. Reflecting on his new appointment, Daniel noted, "I have been associated with the AHSAA for over 35 years, most of those as a high school coach. The history of the association speaks for itself, with honor and integrity, and I am grateful for the chance to be a part of such an institution."

Lee-Scott executive director of athletics Clay McCall expressed his appreciation for Daniel's impact on the program, noting that the school has begun an intensive search for its next head coach to lead the team into the future.