D.W. Daniel High School announces that Head Football Coach Jeff Fruster has made the decision to step down from his coaching role. This decision, made in collaboration with his family, marks the conclusion of an incredible coaching tenure that has left a lasting impact on the Daniel Lions football program.

A Central native, Fruster grew up as a fan of Daniel Lions football and went on to play for the program as a student-athlete. He was a member of two state championship teams (1995 and 1998) before graduating and later returning to serve the school and community.

Fruster joined the Daniel coaching staff in 2006 under coach Randy Robinson as a linebackers coach while also teaching business courses. He later took on the role of head coach of the JV team and varsity defensive coordinator before being named head coach in 2016. Over the last nine seasons, Fruster has led the Lions to six region championships (2019-2024) and three state titles (2020, 2021, 2023). His leadership helped cement Daniel’s reputation as one of South Carolina’s premier football programs.

His tenure is particularly significant in the school’s history, as Fruster became just the fourth head coach for Daniel High School since 1960, a testament to the program’s stability and tradition.

While stepping away from his head coaching role, Coach Fruster will remain on the instructional staff at Daniel High School. He plans to continue to be an active presence in the school as a teacher and coach, with his family remaining deeply involved in the community.

“Coach Fruster’s commitment to our student-athletes and the culture of excellence he has fostered will have a lasting legacy,” said Daniel High School Athletic Director Ben Touchberry. “We are incredibly grateful for his leadership and the countless hours he has poured into this program. Daniel High School and our athletic department have been extremely blessed to have gone on this incredible journey with Coach Fruster.”

Daniel High School Principal Adam Russell echoed that sentiment: “Coach Fruster has been more than a coach—he has been a mentor, a role model, and a steady presence for our students. Our young people are fortunate because ‘coach’ has taught them to be successful in life beyond football. He is a true Daniel Lion and we are fortunate that he will continue to be part of our school family.”

The school will now begin the process of determining the next steps for the Daniel High School football program. More information on the coaching transition will be shared as it becomes available.