B.B. Comer names Johnny Safford as new head softball coach

SYLACAUGA, Ala. – B.B. Comer High School has found its new softball coach.

On June 11, B.B. Comer High School named Johnny Safford as its new head softball coach, replacing Tabitha Wheeler.

Wheeler served as the Lady Tigers head coach for four years.

Before joining the Comer family in 2020, Safford served as an assistant baseball coach at American Christian for five years (2013-2017). The Patriots had a combined record of 160-56, with one trip to the state championship in 2016. During those years his duties varied but mostly included coaching the outfield and handling team statistics and data.

In 2018, Safford moved to the Birmingham area, where he served as an assistant baseball coach at Dora High School during the 2019 season. During the 2019-2020 school year, Safford was asked to help with the Lady Bulldog softball team.

Although the 2019-2020 season was cut short due to COVID-19, under Safford’s direction the Lady Bulldogs played well and were on track to have a much improved year. They complied a 3-4 record, including a win against 6A Shades Valley in the short seven game season.

“I’ve always enjoyed watching softball,” said Safford. “Being from Tuscaloosa, I followed the local team pretty closely, and immediately fell in love with coaching the sport. The speed of the game, strategy, and enthusiasm within the game combine to make it a really fun sport to coach. During my short time with the Dora softball team, I completely re-did the infield and renovated the locker room. I was in charge of organizing practice and coached the outfield, pitchers, and catchers. During the games I called the pitches, as well as the offense from 3rd base.”

In December 2019, Safford and his family moved to the Sylacauga area. Safford was brought on to teach 9th and 12th grade history at B.B. Comer during the 2020-2021 academic year.

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to work with the Comer softball team,” said Safford. “They only graduated one senior this past year and have a lot of talent and experience in the younger grades. From my observation the girls are working hard at morning workouts, and I can’t wait to get started working with them.”

Safford is excited for the future of the Lady Tigers program and looks forward to leading them to success during the upcoming season.