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A former Auburn University two-sport athlete was named Morgan Academy’s football coach and Athletic Director during Easter weekend.

Morgan Academy announced the hiring of Danny Raines as the Senators’ football coach and Athletic Director. He replaces Josh Thacker.

Raines spent the last three seasons at Headland High School, going 15-17 during that stretch.

Before arriving at Headland, Raines was best-known coaching at Berry High School. In 14 seasons at Berry, Raines went 102-59 and reached the state playoffs 12 times. He’s also the winningest coach at Berry.

Morgan Academy headmaster Mark Knight is impressed with the resume of Raines, who recently retired from the MHSAA school system.

“We are fortunate to get Coach Raines,” Knight said. “He is a strong Christian man who works hard with the boys on and off the field.  I believe his character, knowledge, and leadership will be a great addition to the Morgan family.”

Knight also said Morgan Academy shares a lot of common traits with Berry, a Class 1A school.

“Berry is similar to Morgan in size and resources,” Knight said.

Raines played basketball and football at Auburn between 1987 and 1991. He played basketball for the Tigers from 1987-1989 and was a walk-on for the football team in 1990 and 1991.

The Woodbridge, Virginia native later served as a graduate coaching assistant under Coaches Pat Dye, Wayne Hall, and Jay Jacobs.