Thom McDaniels

Thom McDaniels
Biographical details
Born (1949-07-27) July 27, 1949
Hornell, New York
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1982–2015
Head coaching record
Overall216–84
Accomplishments and honors
Championships
  • OHSAA Division I State Champion (1997)
  • USA Today National Champion (1997)
Awards
  • USA Today Coach of the Year (1997)
  • Nike National Football Coach of the Year (1997)
  • OHSAA Division I co-Coach of the Year (1997)
  • Ohio Coach of the Year (2001)

Thom McDaniels is a former Ohio high school football coach. McDaniels has coached several high division programs within his 40-year career,[1] such as Orrville, Solon, Massillon, Warren G. Harding, Canton McKinley and Jackson. McDaniels was named the National High School Football Coach of the Year in 1997 by USA Today. McDaniels is the father to New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Houston Texans offensive assistant Ben McDaniels.

Personal life

McDaniels was born July 27, 1949, in Hornell, New York.[2] McDaniels graduated from Orrville High School.[3] McDaniels is the father of New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels[4] and Houston Texans offensive assistant Ben McDaniels.[5]

Coaching career

Early career

Thom McDaniels began his coaching career in 1972, coaching for his alma mater Orrville High School under then head coach Mo Tipton. McDaniels later left the program in 1975, and returned in 1978, before leaving again in 1980.[6]

Canton McKinley (first stint)

McDaniels began his head coaching career in 1982, taking over for the Canton McKinley Bulldogs. In McDaniels first year with the Bulldogs, they finished the regular season at 8–2, with notable victories of Cleveland St. Ignatius and Canton GlenOak. In the 1982 season, their only two losses came at the hands of Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller 43–10 and Massillon 7–0,[7] averaging 18.5 points per game on the season, while only allowing 9.6 points per game.[8]

Just two years later in 1985, McDaniels for the first time under his tenure at Canton, took the Bulldogs to the playoffs. Finishing the regular season with a 9–1 record, defeating top level programs such as Massillon, Austintown Fitch, Canton Central Catholic and others. McDaniels Bulldogs team, made it all the way to the state championship game, defeating GlenOak, Walsh Jesuit, and Villa Angela-St. Joseph along the way, before being defeated by Archbishop Moeller 35–11.[9]

McDaniels took the Bulldogs through deep playoff runs throughout the 1990s. His most notable season came in 1997. The Bulldogs finished the regular season 10–0, defeating tough programs such as GlenOak, Massillon Jackson, Canton Central Catholic, Warren G. Harding, and Massillon.[10] The Bulldogs that season defeated Hoover, St. Francis DeSales, St. Ignatius, and to cap off an already illustrious season the Bulldogs defeated Archbishop Moeller, to win their first OHSAA state championship in football since 1981,[11] and the first and only state championship of McDaniels career. The Bulldogs broke numerous school records that season, including most points scored in a season (592) and games won in a season (14).[12] McDaniels Bulldogs team was declared USA Today's national champions, and McDaniels was named to several coaching honors such as USA Today's coach of the year,[13] Columbus Touchdown Clubs Coach of the year, co-Coach of the Year, and as well as the Nike National Coach of the Year.[14] McDaniels stepped down as the Bulldogs head coach after 15 years, leaving behind a 134–42 record in those 15 years.[15]

Warren G. Harding

McDaniels was hired as Warren G. Harding High School's head football coach in 2000.[16] In McDaniels first season as the new Raiders head coach, he led them to a 7–3 record,[17] with McDaniels defeating Cincinnati Elder,[18] and a victory over his former Canton McKinley Bulldogs,[19] while losing to former post-season rival Archbishop Moeller,[20] as well as Boardman and eventual state champion Ursuline.[21][22]

In the 2001 season, McDaniels Raider team delivered a 11–2 season,[23] with multiple 50+ point defeats, such as defeating Archbishop Moeller 55–0,[24] and M.M. Robinson from Ontario, Canada 71–0, which in that game Ivan Carmichael broke the Raiders record for longest interception return in school history (90 yards),[25] along with Cleveland South 76–0, another record setting game with former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett, setting the school record for most punt return touchdowns in a game with 2.[26] The Raiders defeated Boardman in the playoffs 16–7[27] and St. Edward 42–26, another record setting game for Clarett, with over 400 yards rushing and 5 touchdowns, mostly done in the first half.[28] before losing to St. Ignatious, who went on to win the state championship 40–33.[29] McDaniels was named the Ohio Coach of the Year that season.[30]

McDaniels best season with the Raiders came in 2002, finishing the regular season with a 10–0 record, and cruising to the OHSAA Division I state championship game, defeating St. Ignatius, St. Edwards, Mentor and Massillon[31] along the way, before losing to Elder 21–19.[32]

McDaniels and Harding continued their winning ways in their 2003 campaign, opening the season with two 60+ point victories over Cleveland South[33] and Cleveland John F. Kennedy.[34] The Raiders defeated tough opponents such as Buchtel 21–6, Cardinal Mooney 21–19, St. Edwards in overtime 27–20,[35] and Massillon 31–15. The Raiders finished the regular season 10–0,[36] finishing first in the OHSAA rankings.[37] The Raiders defeated Solon in the first round 49–7,[38] before losing to a rematch with St. Edwards 21–13.[35] The Raiders Mario Manningham was awarded an All-Ohio selection that season.[39]

McDaniels had led the Raiders to the playoffs in 4 out of 5 seasons during his tenure at Harding.[40] In McDaniels final season at Harding, he led them to a 7–3 record, defeating Brecksville-Broadview Heights and St. Edwards in the playoffs, before losing to Mentor 34–24.[41] McDaniels resigned after the season, with McDaniels being named an NFL high school coach of the year finalist in 2004.[42]

Massillon Jackson

In 2007, McDaniels took the job to become Massillon Jacksons next head coach. In his first season, the Polar Bears finished at 4–6, missing the playoffs, with all 4 wins coming from programs with less than 3 wins, including a win over his former Bulldogs team.[43] A step up from the 2007 season, in 2008, the Polar Bears finished 5–5. McDaniels stepped down after the 2008 season.[44]

Later coaching career

Following McDaniels resignation at Jackson, he later coached at Solon High School as an assistant coach in 2009[45] and later at Massillon from 2010–2013.[46]

Return to McKinley

McDaniels was rehired as McKinley's head football coach in March 2014,[47] with a challenging re-entry to the head coaching scene, his final season as a head coach for the Bulldogs ended with a 3–7 regular season record.[48] McDaniels stepped down soon after the season.[49] Following a long hiatus, he returned as an assistant in 2024. In October 2025, McDaniels announced he would be retiring from coaching after a long career, finishing his career with 216 wins and 84 losses at several programs.[50]

Hall of Fame honors

McDaniels was inducted into several different Hall of Fames, including the Ohio High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Stark County High School Football Hall of Fame in 2022,[51] Wayne County Hall of Fame in 2008,[42] Trumbull County Sports Hall of Fame, Warren Sports Hall of Fame in 2016[52] and most notably the National High School Football Hall of Fame in 2023.[53]

Notable players

McDaniels coached several notable players including Percy Snow, Mike Doss, Maurice Clarett, and Mario Manningham.[54][55][56]

References

  1. ↑ "The Mushroom Society with Bob Wylie: Blending Past and Present Methods of Learning, Featuring Thom McDaniels". Coach and Coordinator. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  2. ↑ Writer, Staff. "Thom McDaniels profile". Canton Repository. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  3. ↑ "Thom McDaniels '08". Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  4. ↑ "McDaniels reflects on family connection to Super Bowl".
  5. ↑ "Coaching is the family business for new Rutgers assistant Ben McDaniels". NJ.com. 2014-02-13. Retrieved 2016-09-06.
  6. ↑ "Thom McDaniels '08". Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  7. ↑ "1982 Season". MassillonTigers.com. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  8. ↑ "Alabama High School Football History". www.ahsfhs.org. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  9. ↑ "All-Time State Tournament Results". www.ohsaa.org. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  10. ↑ "Schedule: 1998 McKinley Bulldogs".
  11. ↑ "McKinley football beat Cincinnati Moeller for 1997 state championship".
  12. ↑ "Alabama High School Football History". www.ahsfhs.org. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  13. ↑ "'The greatest accumulation of talent': Voices of McKinley's grand football champs, 25 years later".
  14. ↑ "Thom McDaniels '08". Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  15. ↑ "A look back to the sidelines: Q&A with former WGH coach Thom McDaniels". tribtoday.com. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  16. ↑ "A look back to the sidelines: Q&A with former WGH coach Thom McDaniels". vindy.com. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  17. ↑ "2000 Warren G Harding Raiders Football Results / Schedule". www.joeeitel.com. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  18. ↑ "Elder Panther Football - 2000". prepconnectweb.com. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  19. ↑ "2000 Canton McKinley Bulldogs Football Results / Schedule". www.joeeitel.com. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  20. ↑ "2000 Archbishop Moeller Crusaders Football Results / Schedule". www.joeeitel.com. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  21. ↑ "Irish repping Valley in state football finals". vindy.com. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  22. ↑ "2000 Ursuline Fighting Irish Football Results / Schedule". www.joeeitel.com. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  23. ↑ "2001 Warren G Harding Raiders Football Results / Schedule". www.joeeitel.com. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  24. ↑ "HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Warren cruises past Cin. Moeller". vindyarchives. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  25. ↑ Baugh, David (2019-11-30). "Warren G. Harding Football- Longest Scoring Plays Since The Consolidation (1990-present)". WGHFootball. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  26. ↑ "HISTORY/RECORDS WWR WGH | WGHFootball.com". WGHFootball. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  27. ↑ "2001 Boardman Spartans Football Results / Schedule". www.joeeitel.com. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  28. ↑ "WGH School Records".
  29. ↑ Scalzo, Joe. "DIVISION I REGIONAL FINAL Harding derailed, 40-33". vindyarchives. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  30. ↑ "Thom McDaniels '08". Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  31. ↑ Smith, Eric (2002-11-23). "2002: Massillon 20, Warren Harding 21". MassillonTigers.com. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  32. ↑ "2002 Football Championships".
  33. ↑ "WARREN Harding trounces South in opener". vindyarchives. August 26, 2003. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  34. ↑ "STEEL VALLEY CONFERENCE Warren Harding coasts to 61-6 victory over Cleveland JFK". vindyarchives. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  35. 1 2 "St. Edward Eagles 2025 Game Notes" (PDF).
  36. ↑ "2003 Warren G Harding Raiders Results / Schedule". www.joeeitel.com. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  37. ↑ "Football Final Poll - 2003". www.ohsaa.org. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  38. ↑ Richesson, Brian. "FOOTBALL Harding wallops Solon". vindyarchives. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  39. ↑ "2003 All-Ohio Football". www.ohsaa.org. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  40. ↑ "Warren G. Harding football results 1972-present". Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  41. ↑ "2006 Warren G Harding Raiders Results / Schedule". joeeitel.com. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  42. 1 2 "Thom McDaniels '08 - Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame". Waynecountysportshof.com. Retrieved 2016-09-06.
  43. ↑ "2007 Jackson Polar Bears Results / Schedule". joeeitel.com. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  44. ↑ KOHNTOPP, GREG. "McDaniels resigns as Jackson football coach". The Independent. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  45. ↑ Tim Warsinskey, The Plain Dealer (2009-11-17). "Solon's Thom McDaniels continues his mission as an assistant football coach". cleveland. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  46. ↑ Easterling, Chris. "It's official — Thom McDaniels is a Massillon assistant coach". The Independent. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  47. ↑ Porter, Todd. "Thom McDaniels returns as McKinley's head football coach". Canton Repository. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  48. ↑ "Alabama High School Football History". www.ahsfhs.org. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  49. ↑ Writer, Staff. "High school football: Thom McDaniels resigns as Canton McKinley coach, ending second stint in charge of Bulldogs". Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  50. ↑ Doerschuk, Steve. "Terry Forbes won a state championship and quit, Thom McDaniels dove in the McKinley pile". Canton Repository. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  51. ↑ "Star power on full display at Stark County High School Football Hall of Fame banquet".
  52. ↑ "McDaniels remembers fondly time in Warren". tribtoday.com. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  53. ↑ "National High School Football HOF Inaugural Class Inducted In Canton – Stark County High School Sports". Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  54. ↑ "ESPN.com: NCF - Clarett's pursuit of perfection never rests". A.espncdn.com. Retrieved 2016-09-06.
  55. ↑ Snow, Chris (2002-08-28). "New season features best QBs since '83 - The Daily Orange - The Independent Student Newspaper of Syracuse, New York". The Daily Orange. Retrieved 2016-09-06.
  56. ↑ "For Giants' Manningham, the Catch of a Lifetime Was Years in the Making". The New York Times. 7 February 2012.
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