After a down season in 2021, Buffalo will look to bounce back this fall after officially announcing Birdville offensive line coach Jamin Savell as its next head coach on Tuesday.
Buffalo, a town of 1,856 people roughly between Houston and Dallas on Interstate 45, will be on its third coach in three years after Evan Stone resigned his post back in February following one year in charge.
“It’s an absolute honor to be in Buffalo and to learn under a great superintendent and a great campus admin,” Savell said.
Savell had been at Birdville the past two seasons and has also served as an offensive coordinator at Coleman, Willis, and Shepherd in the past.
In addition to his coaching experience, Savell also starred on the gridiron himself. After graduating from Madisonville High School, he played offensive lineman for Sam Houston State on the 2004 Southland Conference championship team before transferring to Texas A&M Commerce where he played from 2005-2007. Savell played tight end for a year for the Lions before transitioning back to offensive line where he started at center and right tackle.
He will now take over a Buffalo program that finished 2-8 last season, ending a streak of six-straight playoff berths.
But despite the down season, the Bison did show some promise offensively last season, averaging 25.3 points per game. They return two key seniors in receiver Kyle Harrison and offensive lineman Lane Freeman, who both earned all-district honors a year ago.
— Kyle (@KyleH777) October 5, 2021
However, Savell’s bigger task may be on the defensive side of the ball where the Bison gave up 44.6 points per game a year ago.
Although 2021 was a tough season for the Bison, they were given some good news in February after they were dealt a kind hand during redistricting in District 13-3A Division II.
Two playoff schools from the district, 2021 UIL 3A Division II state champion Franklin and Riesel, moved up to 3A Division I and dropped down to 2A Division I respectively.
Meanwhile, Elkhart was the lone addition to the district after missing the playoffs last year in District 9-3A Division I.
Those changes mean just two of the six schools that will compete in District 13-3A Division II this year were in the playoffs a year ago, creating a wide-open battle for the four football playoff spots the next two years.
For Savell, he has already had some time to settle in, having been in Buffalo since April 4. After seeing the work of his new players, he is optimistic about the season ahead.
“Our goal right now is to compete every day, even in the little things,” Savell said. “So far the kids have responded in a big way and are accepting that challenge.”
