Blackbirds Extend Coach Simpson's Contract
April 4, 2007 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Baltimore Blackbirds News Release
Baltimore - April 4, 2007. The Baltimore Blackbirds announced today they have given Coach Chris Simpson a one-year extension on his contract.
"We have stated from the beginning that we plan on being in Baltimore for many years to come and to do that we need to build a solid foundation; and Coach Simpson is an integral part of that foundation," stated Baltimore Blackbirds General Manager John Wolfe.
Simpson, whose playing career took him from being an All-State player in Idaho, to four solid years at the University of Arizona, to two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, started his coaching career as a high school assistant. Following six seasons as a high school coach, he entered the professional ranks coaching and assuming General Manager/Offensive Coordinator responsibilities for the River City Gamblers of Sacramento, CA (1992, 10-4) (1993, 11-3). Simpson expanded his experience by taking a position in the Canadian Football League (CFL) as an Offensive Coach with the Sacramento Goldminers and in the Arena Football League (AFL) with the San Jose Saber Cats as Coach of Running Backs/Linebackers. Chris also assisted the Sabercats in regional scouting and tryout camps.
Following a six-year hiatus to take a "normal" job as his family grew, Simpson returned to coaching with the Tucson Thunder in 2003. After one season as Player/Head Coach of the Thunder, Simpson became owner of the Tucson Monsoon. As Head Coach, General Manager and Owner of the Monsoon, Simpson led the Monsoon to the Second Round of the AzFL playoffs. The Monsoon were the first team in 13 years to make it to any level of the playoffs in their first year of existence. The Monsoon also garnered more team and individual awards in the AzFL than any other team.
In 2005, Simpson took over as coach of the San Angelo Stampede of the National Indoor Football League (NIFL). Facing a short timeframe to assemble the team and playing the first five games on the road, the Stampede ended their season 3-11. In 2006, Simpson was the named the Head Coach/General Manager of the Lincoln Capitols of the NIFL, but resigned two games into the season.
"We have faith that the team will finish the 2007 season strong and we are pleased to know that Chris will be here to help us build to a successful 2008 season," stated Wolfe.
Simpson entered the season with a career coaching record of 68-35 (.660).
American Indoor Football Association Stories from April 4, 2007
- Express game preview - Reading Express
- Blackbirds Extend Coach Simpson's Contract - Baltimore Blackbirds
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