Coach Durden is entering year fourthteen as head girl's coach of the Buford Lady Wolves. He is originally from Midville, GA and played basketball at Coastal Community College in Brunswick, GA., where he received an Associate Degree in Business. He then attended Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education. He teaches Personal Fitness and Team Sports classes at Buford High School.Overall, Coach Durden is in his 31th season as a head coach. This past year the Lady Wolves achieved a 29 and 3 and won the 5A State Championship for second straight year. Durden's Lady Wolves have played in eight of the past ten state championship games, while winning the state titles in 2018, 2017, 2015, 2011, 2010 and 2009. The Lady Wolves were also state runners up in 2014 and 2012. In 2017, the Lady Wolves achieved a 29 and 2 record and won their first state championship in class 5A. In 2015, the Lady Wolves achieved a 30 and 3 record and won the 4A State Championship. In 2011, the Lady Wolves achieved a 29 – 3 record and won the 2A State Championship for the third straight year. In 2010, the Lady Wolves achieved a 29 – 4 record and won the AA State Championship for the second straight time in Buford High School history. In 2009, Buford won its first 2A State Championship in Durden's fourth year of taking over the program. The 2009 team had a 32 – 1 record and set the stage and expectations for the years to come. Durden's 28th coaching season also brought in another milestone in his coaching career when he accomplished winning over 700 career wins during the 2015/2016 season. Durden’s overall career record is 779 and 212. During the thirteen years at the helm of the Buford basketball program, Durden has guided the Lady Wolves to 6 state championships, 2 state runner ups, 8 region championships and a program record of 348 – 68. The Buford Lady Wolves have participated in the 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A State Tournaments during all thirteen years of Durden's tenure at Buford High School.
He previously coached at Dade County High School in Trenton, GA for 14 years. During his 14 year tenure at Dade, the Lady Wolverines won 7 Region Championships, competed in 13 AA State Tournaments, competed in 3 Final Fours, and competed in 3 AA State Championship games. Dade's program record was 333 – 88 during his coaching tenure.
He previously coached at Dade County High School in Trenton, GA for 14 years. During his 14 year tenure at Dade, the Lady Wolverines won 7 Region Championships, competed in 13 AA State Tournaments, competed in 3 Final Fours, and competed in 3 AA State Championship games. Dade's program record was 333 – 88 during his coaching tenure.
Gene is married to the former Cherie Langston of Macon, GA. Cherie serves as the school nurse for Buford Middle School. They are the proud parents of son Devin (deceased) former Buford Football and Air Force Academy, son Christian (25) former Buford Football and now Hall County firefighter and EMT, son Coby (24) former Buford Basketball and now assistant Lady Wolves coach, and daughter Danielle (24) former Buford Varsity Sideline and Competition Cheerleader and now head coach for Buford Basketball Cheerleading.
"When you say "AAA Excellence" no better words describe the experience here at Buford High School. To be a part of a school system where the community and administration expects excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts is a very special and unique experience. Our family was and is so blessed to be a part of the "Buford Family and Tradition" and the support we have received during our fourteen years living in this community has been so very special. I will never be able to give back to the Buford community all the love and care they have given me and my family over the past years. Seeing my family grow up in the Buford culture and now come back to teach and coach in that same community gives me such a sense of pride and accomplishment. All our Buford years have been such a great experience and created so many special memories that me and my family will cherish in the years to come." Coach Durden