Veteran Jasper volleyball coach Bobby Daniels has resigned after a dispute with school administration over playing time for his players.

“I feel like coaches are only as good as the administrators that support them,” Daniels said, “because any time a coach tries to do the right thing and puts the best product on the floor, there’s going to be some folks that are disgruntled. And when these girls get their way, then a good coach is not going to continue under those circumstances.”

In a press release today, Jasper athletic director Jonathan Jordan said Daniels resigned effective Sept. 20.

“We appreciate all that Jasper High School volleyball accomplished during coach Daniels’ tenure,” Jordan said. “Viking volleyball, under his leadership, has won countless matches and tournaments, set numerous school and state records, and placed Jasper on the map as a perennial power in the volleyball world. His tireless work, both in our school and our community, to grow the game of volleyball has made lasting impacts, which is evident in the two state championships and one state runner-up finish.

“We are appreciative of the effort and energy that coach Daniels put into fielding a first-class volleyball program, making great strides on the court and promoting excellence in the classroom.

“At this time, we will focus our attention to supporting our student-athletes and providing them a first-class experience.”

Destiny Vice will take over day-to-day coaching responsibilities, the release said.

Daniels guided the Vikings to a pair of Class 5A state championships in 2018 and 2019, along with a runner-up finish in Class 6A in 2017. He also led Winston County to state championship matches.

Daniels said he thought he had a state championship caliber team at Jasper this season, but disruptions created havoc. He elevated several freshmen to the varsity squad and made other roster moves that ruffled the feathers of some parents, he said.

Daniels came to Jasper in 2015 after three years at Arab and seven at Winston County.