Georgia Firebirds hire defensive coaches Gary Davis and Jeff Hunter

ALBANY — The Georgia Firebirds indoor football team on Monday announced two updates to the team’s coaching staff.

On defense, the Firebirds coaching staff additions include defensive backs coach Gary Davis and defensive line coach Jeff Hunter.

Gary Davis has been coaching football for more than 20 years. He has experience planning, developing and implementing winning football programs. He is currently the defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Mount Zion High School in Jonesboro. He has assisted various player transition into college, NFL and arena football.

Gary is a native of Albany and a Dougherty High School graduate where he was a three-sport athlete. He was an impact player in high school where he played football, basketball and also ran track & field. He returned to later coach linebackers and receivers under the longtime coach John Reynolds (Dougherty) and helped them to the Georgia High School Association state semifinals in 1996 and the state championship in 1998.

He later was the defensive coordinator from 2002-04. He then coached at Albany High School. In 2008, he moved to Atlanta and became the receivers coach at Douglass High School. In 2010-12, he was assistant defensive coordinator and defensive back coach at Atlanta Sports Academy in Dawsonville.

Hunter played at Albany State where he studied Health & Physical Education. He was drafted in 1989 by the Arizona Cardinals. His career spanned several teams including the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and the Miami Dolphins.

He also played two seasons for the London Monarchs of the World League of American Football.

They join previously announced hires of head coach David (DJ) Daniels’ coaching staff that include offensive specialist Antwoin Savage and offensive line coach A.D. Laster.

“I am excited about this group of talented and experienced coaches,” Daniels said. “I have high regard for their collective experience, knowledge and passion for the game. We will tirelessly work together to build schemes around our players’ strengths and are looking forward to getting to work and preparing for the upcoming season.”

The Firebirds’ inaugural season kicks off March 20 in Columbus against the Columbus Lions.