April 5, 2006

Columbia, MO - University of Missouri Men's Basketball Coach Mike Anderson announced on Wednesday (April 5) that Jeff Daniels has been hired as the program's Director of Basketball Operations.

Daniels comes to Mizzou after one season at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he served in a similar capacity on Anderson's 2005-06 staff. That Blazer club enjoyed a 24-7 overall record and earned an at-large berth to the 2006 NCAA Tournament.

"I am excited to have Jeff Daniels be part of our family at Missouri," head coach Mike Anderson said. "Jeff is a veteran basketball coach and understands what we are working to accomplish here at Missouri. I've known Jeff for a number of years and I know him to have an outstanding basketball mind.

"Jeff also brings a level of passion and enthusiasm that will be beneficial for our young club. Jeff is a great addition to our staff."

Prior to his one year at UAB, Daniels spent a combined 10 seasons as head coach at the University of Montevallo (1995-2003) and associate head coach at Division II Valdosta State (2003-05).

Daniels took over his alma mater, Montevallo, in 1995 as the program's fifth head coach. He led the Falcons to a seven-win improvement over his first five seasons at the helm and was named the Gulf South Conference's Coach of the Year in 2002. Following eight seasons at Montevallo, Daniels became the associate head coach at Valdosta State and helped the Blazers record a 43-13 ledger. In his final season the Blazers won the Gulf South Conference crown and achieved a No. 3 NCAA Division II national ranking. A primary reason for VSU's success was its defense, as the Blazers led the nation in field goal percentage (35.7 percent in 2004 and 36.1 percent in 2005) each season during Daniels tenure at the school.

"The opportunity to be at an institution like Missouri is beyond my imagination," Daniels said. "It's exciting to continue working with Coach Anderson, Coach (Matt) Zimmerman and Coach (T.J.) Cleveland and now I have the opportunity to work with Coach (Melvin) Watkins. The University of Missouri has a tremendous reputation nationwide and it's one that I am excited to be associated with."

A native of Birmingham, Ala., Daniels graduated from Huffman High School and then teamed with Anderson on the hardwood at Jefferson State Community College during the 1979-80 season. As teammates, the tandem of Daniels and Anderson reached the National Junior College Athletic Association national title game where they fell to Nolan Richardson's Western Texas team. Daniels then continued his collegiate career at Montevallo, where he was a two-year standout as a player before entering the coaching ranks at his alma mater as a graduate assistant. In two seasons as a player, Daniels led Montevallo to a 35-23 overall record and was awarded the Dean's Trophy for scholastic achievement as a junior and was named a team captain as a senior.

Daniels began his coaching career as a graduate assistant under collegiate coach Dr. Bill Elder, before joining Rob Spiver's Montevallo staff in 1986 as a full-time assistant. Daniels helped guide the Falcons to four 20-win seasons before being charged with the head coaching duties in 1995.

Daniels, and his wife, Robbie, have two children, son Andrew (10) and daughter Makenzie (6).

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