Miami Public Schools Tabs Daniel Chamberlain as New Head Football Coach

Miami, Okla. – The Miami Wardogs will have a new voice on the sideline this fall after the district announced Monday evening that Daniel Chamberlain has been hired as head football coach.

Chamberlain succeeds Zach Gardner, who departed after eight seasons to take the head-coaching position at Wyandotte. Gardner leaves with a 29-52 overall record at Miami, but the program showed recent flashes of success, collecting 25 wins over the past three years and securing playoff victories after a postseason drought that dated back to 2008.

An Oklahoma native with two decades of military service in the U.S. Army National Guard, Chamberlain arrives in Ottawa County following analyst and assistant-coach roles at Bristow Public Schools. According to a Miami Public Schools release, his work with the Pirates coincided with “a significant increase in offensive production and in-game problem-solving.”

Prior to Bristow, Chamberlain spent time on Bill Blankenship’s staff at Owasso High School, contributing to a program lauded for “discipline, preparation and a culture of winning.” Away from the field, he hosts a pair of football-centric podcasts that connect coaches across the state to discuss program building, culture and player development.

“Beyond the field, Chamberlain is committed to growing the game of football and investing in leadership development,” the release stated, adding that his military background “emphasizing discipline, resilience, teamwork and service” will shape his approach with Wardog student-athletes.

Athletic Director Rusty Mercer said Chamberlain came “highly recommended by a few highly prominent Oklahoma High School football coaches” and presented “an exciting and clear vision” that spans the high-school program down to youth levels.

Chamberlain inherits a roster that finished 2-8 a year ago, though Miami was 8-3 and playoff-bound just two seasons prior. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized a broader mission.

“This isn’t just about the game,” Chamberlain said. “It’s about developing disciplined, resilient young men who represent their school and community the right way. I’m looking forward to connecting with our players, families, staff and all those invested in our future. The foundation is here. The work starts today.”