The Buford sideline will have a new feel at Tom Riden Stadium during the 2024 season after a slew of staff changes and additions.
Buford head coach Bryant Appling had some coaches depart, such as the retirement of longtime coach David Snell, while others switched positions. The Wolves, on the coaching side, added former National Football League star and Super Bowl champion Steve McLendon as defensive line coach and former Georgia Bulldog and Western Kentucky Hilltopper Jaden Hunter — cornerbacks coach — to the varsity level.
“This is what I’ve always wanted to do,” McLendon told The North Gwinnett Voice.
McLendon joins the Wolves as a community coach, similar to Jake Simpson’s role and others where they aren’t full-time staff members. Hunter, according to Appling, will be a paraprofessional at the younger grade levels within the Buford school system.
Along with the varsity additions, Buford also hired Malone VanGorder (younger brother of former Buford quarterback turned University of Georgia staff member Montgomery VanGorder) as the ninth grade offensive line coach. Beau Jones will coach ninth grade tight ends.
“They fit the mold of what Buford coaches have been for a long time,” Appling said. “They’re driven to excellence, disciplined, great motivators and great men. I believe they will fit in well with the community as well as push our players to be great on a daily basis.”
In addition to the coaching additions, Buford made numerous changes to its support staff along with creating a few new positions as an investment into the program continuing its success within the state of Georgia. All of the new hires were approved in the Buford Board of Education’s executive session on June 10.
Brandon Gill moves into the director of football operations role after coaching. Sean Gilbert, the former director of football operations, becomes the alumni and legacy coordinator.
“I’m proud and excited to share and preserve the legacy of all who made the football program what it is today,” Gilbert said. “At the same time, (I’m excited to create) community for our alumni who have given so much to our program and making sure they know how appreciated they are. (We will give) them the opportunity to invest and stay connected to the program.”
Buford added Jennifer Lopez as the director of nutrition along with Amy Edwards as the director of flexibility and wellness.
Buford opens its season with an exhibition game against Langston Hughes Aug 8. The Wolves then travel to open the regular season at Milton eight days later, Aug. 16.
