Muscle Shoals Names New Head Football Coach

Longtime offensive coordinator Michael Darden promoted to lead the Trojans program

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Muscle Shoals High School in Alabama has promoted offensive coordinator Michael Darden to be the new head football coach, replacing longtime coach Scott Basden who retired after 18 seasons. Darden has been the offensive coordinator for the past 5 years and helped guide the Trojans' offense to average over 33 points per game last season.

Why it matters

Muscle Shoals is a perennial powerhouse in Alabama high school football, with 17 consecutive winning seasons, 17 playoff appearances, and a state finals appearance under Basden's leadership. The transition to a new head coach is an important moment for the program as they look to continue their success on the field.

The details

Darden has 18 years of coaching experience, including stints as the offensive coordinator at Oxford High School and Arab High School. Last season, the Trojans' offense scored 431 total points and averaged 33.1 points per game under Darden's leadership. Basden compiled a 170-50 record over his 18 seasons as head coach, leading the team to three semifinal appearances and one state finals appearance in 2013.

  • Muscle Shoals announced Darden's promotion on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
  • Basden retired after the 2025 season, his 18th as Muscle Shoals' head coach.

The players

Michael Darden

The new head football coach at Muscle Shoals High School, promoted from his previous role as offensive coordinator.

Scott Basden

The former longtime head football coach at Muscle Shoals High School, who retired after the 2025 season.

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The takeaway

Muscle Shoals High School has found continuity and stability in promoting longtime offensive coordinator Michael Darden to be the new head football coach, as he looks to build on the program's recent success and continue its tradition of excellence on the gridiron.