Stampede Changes Coaches
April 28, 2009 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Harrisburg Stampede News Release
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (April 28, 2009) - The Harrisburg Stampede of the American Indoor Football Association announced today that they will be changing coaches for the remainder of the 2009 season. Defensive coordinator Mike McDonald will take over the head coaching duties, replacing Kelly Logan.
"This isn't about the team's 2-4 record," said team co-owner and AIFA co-founder John Morris. "The Stampede still has a good shot at a playoff run, but we can't get there without a more productive offense. We need to address that problem now, before this opportunity gets away."
Through six games Harrisburg is averaging 25.7 ppg, second from the bottom in the AIFA. The Stampede's best offensive performance came in a losing cause against the South Carolina Force, 40-37. Three of the team's four losses have been by six points or less.
"You will not be successful in this league if you can't score points," said Morris. "We have an outstanding running back, quality wide receivers and an great offensive line (which has allowed only three sacks this season). We have the potential to score more points, and we must do that in order to win games.
"Kelly Logan is a quality coach and a quality person," Morris continued. "We wish him well. I'm sure he will land on his feet somewhere else, hopefully here in the AIFA."
Harrisburg (2-4) sits one game out of the second playoff spot in the AIFA's North Division, trailing the Baltimore Mariners (3-3). With the Stampede playing seven of its remaining eight games in the division, the team has the opportunity to determine its own future.
"That's what created the sense of urgency for our franchise," Morris added. "It's a lofty goal to try and reach the playoffs in our expansion year, but the opportunity is there. When I weighed all of the factors, I came to the conclusion that this move was necessary to give this team the best chance of achieving that goal."
New coach Mike McDonald served as the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Mariners last season. He followed Morris and team GM Jack Bowman to Harrisburg when the Stampede franchise was formed. To date under his leadership, the Stampede defense has allowed 26.5 ppg, best in the AIFA. The team also announced that assistant coach Rick Marsillio will call the offensive plays.
The Stampede will host the Mariners this Saturday night at the Farm Show Arena in Harrisburg. Game time is 7:00PM.
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American Indoor Football Association Stories from April 28, 2009
- Stampede Changes Coaches - Harrisburg Stampede
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