There will be a new person at the helm of the Branson Pirate Football Program for the 2022 season.

Aaron Hafner, who spent several years in the Central Ozark Conference at Webb City and Republic, has been tabbed to take over for Anthony Hays, who resigned the position in December according to a press release from the Branson School District. 

Hafner, who has been Head Football Coach at Olathe North High School in Kansas the last four years, was defensive coordinator at Webb City for their 2000 State Championship run before winning a pair of District Champions as head coach at Republic. 

Hafner has also spent several years coaching at the college ranks as an assistant at William Penn University and prior to going to Olathe North, spent five seasons as Head Football Coach at Luther College in Iowa. 

Hafner is from Frontenac, Kansas and played football at Southwest Baptist for three years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education from Pittsburg State University and a master’s degree in Business Leadership from William Penn University.

Hafner will teach Physical Education in addition to his Football Duties at Branson High School. 

“We are excited to add Aaron and his family to the Branson community,” said David Large, BHS activities director in the press release. “We had 55 applicants from 12 different states and Coach Hafner really rose to the top as we went through the process. We are excited to have someone who has had success on both the high school and collegiate level. He is very respected among his peers and known for developing and building programs. Aaron is a great addition as a coach and a teacher for Branson schools, and we are glad to have him as a Pirate.”

Hafner and his wife, Katy, have two daughters; a college graduate, Allie, and a high school senior, Andie.