New RHS AD and Football coach introduced

School officials have tapped the former Vicksburg coach to be the next athletic director and head football coach for Ridgeland High School.

Madison County School spokesman Gene Wright said Todd McDaniel was officially announced and introduced as the next head football coach and athletic director during a press conference on Tuesday in Ridgeland High School auditorium. 

Wednesday, April 5, was his first day on the job.

McDaniel said he hopes RHS athletics will be known for their hard work ethic under his leadership.

“My vision for the Ridgeland High School football and athletic programs is that we will be the hardest working staff to develop our student-athletes into the hardest playing group in 6A football and all other sports.” McDaniel said, “I am committed to excellence.” 

McDaniel joins the Titans from Vicksburg, where he currently serves as head football coach for Vicksburg High School in the Vicksburg Warren School District. In 2020, McDaniel took over a Vicksburg team ranked in the bottom four in 5A play and quickly turned the program into a top-ranked team in the state, leading the Gators to the North State Championship in 2022. That same year McDaniel was named MHSAA State Coach of the Year. 

According to McDaniel, his emphasis as a coach includes more than winning on the field. 

“My mission is to build character and produce responsible leaders who leave the program having a positive impact on their families, workplace, communities, and all walks of life,” McDaniel said. 

Prior to his work at Vicksburg, McDaniel served at Hazlehurst High School in Hazlehurst City Schools, boasting a 42-10 record as head football coach and athletic director. He also has experience at the collegiate level having served as interim head football coach at Alcorn State University from 2011-2012. 

“McDaniel’s career in education extends beyond leadership in athletics,” Wright said. 

He has worked as an assistant principal, principal, and director of maintenance and facilities, and values the importance of student success on and off the field, she said. 

McDaniel received his B.S. in elementary education as well as a masters in secondary education from Alcorn State University. In 2005, McDaniel earned his specialist degree in education administration from Jackson State University. 

McDaniel is a member of the Mississippi Association of Coaches and has served as district 7 president of the Mississippi High School Activity Association.