BUCHANAN – Veteran Buchanan coach Joe Austin has announced his retirement from the Bucks’ football program

Austin announced to his team Tuesday night that he is retiring as Buchanan’s head football coach after 11 years of leading Buchanan. Austin’s teams won a pair of Lakeland Conference championships and made five appearances in the  MHSAA playoffs.

Austin has 30 years of head coaching experience, including stops at Engadine High School, Charlotte High School and Niles High School. He was recognized by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association as its Division 5 Regional coach of the year this year.

Last March he was inducted into the MHSFCA Hall of Fame.

“Joe will be missed at Buchanan High School. He is highly respected by players, the community and his coaching peers. He respected the game and coached the right way,” Buchanan athletic director Fred Smith said.