Gaffney comes from the NJCAA DI Gulf Coast State College, where in his first season as head coach at Gulf Coast State College, during the 2019-20 season, the Commodores would excel under his direction. The team produced an overall record of 24-7 and a conference record of 8-4. Furthermore, they finished second in the Panhandle Conference for the first time since 2009. They entered the NJCAA Region 8 Championship and faced off against Florida Southwestern State College, winning 75-68, advancing to the semifinals against the College of Central Florida. Gaffney secured their victory, with his team putting up a score of 105-84. In the championship game, the Commodores defeated Tallahassee Community College 71-63. The win secured Gulf Coast’s first state championship since 1972. Gaffney would qualify for his fourth national tournament and first with Gulf Coast State College.
During his tenure with Georgia Highlands College, he served as both head basketball coach and athletic director from 2011-2019, building the basketball program from the ground up with fantastic results including a 56-game winning streak, regional coaching honors, and multiple top five national rankings.
In the 2018-19 season, Gaffney’s final season with Georgia Highlands College would end strong as the team produced a 23-10 overall record and 9-7 conference record. The Chargers would compete in the GCAA Tournament and cruise in the semifinals, winning 92-80 against Andrew. Their season would end after losing the GCAA Region 17 Championship 75-65 in a hard-fought battle with Central Georgia Tech.
The team would continue to build momentum after their national tournament appearance with a 32-2 overall record and a 15-1 conference record in the 2016-17 season. Gaffney remained undefeated at home (21-0 home record) and earned his third Region 17 Championship. Afterwards, the Chargers would advance with a “Sweet Sixteen” slot, marking the third consecutive national appearance for the program.
Notably, Gaffney would break the program record for most wins during the 2015-2016 season, when the team had a 34-1 overall record and an undefeated 16-0 conference record. Gaffney would lead the Chargers to their second consecutive “Final Four” appearance and a second Region 17 Championship.
In the 2014-2015 season, Gaffney would reach new heights in his coaching career by having his first 30-win season with Georgia Highlands (30-8 overall record) and win his first Region 17 Championship. The team would qualify for their first national tournament, advancing to a “Final Four” appearance.
Gaffney was previously the head coach at Guilford Technical Community College from 2005-2011, building the program himself. During his tenure, the Titans would rank as high as #4 nationally, marking a first for the young program. He would break the school record for most wins in a single season (28), a record that remains today.
Gaffney’s next head coaching position at Mohawk Valley Community College would continue his coaching caliber. His stint from 1998-2005 would lead the Hawks to regional tournament bids for all seven seasons (1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05) and produce two regional championship appearances in 2002 and 2003. He would also set the record for most wins in a single season (28). Additionally, the team entered the top five nationally, ranking #2 at the junior college level.
Gaffney’s first head coaching position at Columbia Greene Community College in New York from 1993-97 started his successful journey into the junior college world. He set the school record for most wins in a single season (22) and led the Twins to a top five national ranking among DII programs.
Before leading Columbia Greene Community College, Gaffney was an assistant coach at the NCAA DI University of Maryland Eastern Shore from 1991-93.
Gaffney’s coaching career started while obtaining his bachelor’s degree. Gaffney became a grad assistant for SUNY Brockport from 1987-88.
Career Success
Qualified For the National Tournament (4): 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020
NJCAA/FCSAA Region 8 Championship (1): 2020
GCAA Region 17 Championships (3): 2015, 2016, & 2017
Final Four Appearances (2): 2015 & 2016
Awards and Honors
FCSAA Region 8 Coach of the Year (1): 2020
South Atlantic District Coach of the Year (1): 2020
GCAA Region 17 Coach of the Year (3): 2015, 2016, 2017
District 13 Coach of the Year (3): 2015, 2016, 2017
Region 10 Coach of the Year (1): 2010
Region 3 Coach of the Year (3): 1998, 1999, 2005
Education
After graduating from Jefferson Community College, he further pursued his education at SUNY Brockport where Gaffney obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education.
