A former Selma High school football player and assistant coach died Thursday.

Francis McDaniel, a former offensive lineman at Selma in the mid-2000’s and later became a Saints assistant coach, was 30. The 2006 Selma High graduate also taught Math at R.B. Hudson Middle School and served two seasons as the Saints’ head baseball coach.

Dr. Pearlie Miller, who currently teaches at Wallace Community College-Selma, has fond memories of her son.  McDaniel attended Tuskegee University and graduated from UAB.

“We’re all shocked,” Miller said. “He was one of the best people I’ve ever known. He cared about the community and his students. It’s God’s will and we’re good with that.”

Two Selma High football players, Nick Parnell and Tyreshon Freeman, also played tribute to McDaniel on facebook. Freeman is now at Autauga Academy.

“I hate to hear this bad news, he taught me everything I needed to know about life and football,” Parnell said.

“When I was ready to give up on everything, he was there,” Freeman said. “I wish I could see him hope for me one more time.”

Former Selma High football coach and Athletic Director Christopher Raymond said McDaniel impacted a lot of lives.

“Francis was a young guy full of energy and full of life,” Raymond said. “He loved what he was doing and he loved the kids. He was a bright person, a great coach and a good guy. He will be missed by a lot of people.”

Curtis Wimberly, who coached McDaniel at Selma High, has fond memories. McDaniel coached offensive lineman at Selma High from 2015-2017.

“Frank was always a good guy and had a big heart,” Wimberly said. “He always wanted to help someone.”

McDaniel was currently an assistant football coach at Phenix City and the seventh-grade Math Teacher at Phenix City Intermediate School. He was a member of the Phenix City High School coaching staff that won the Class 7A state championship.