Rattlers add Defensive Coordinator
September 22, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Detroit Drive News Release
PHOENIX - The Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League have hired two new coaches to add to their staff for the 2006 season, head coach Gene Nudo announced today.
The team named Michael Church Defensive Coordinator, and Ed Flanagan Line Coach.
"We are excited to bring in two guys of this caliber," said Nudo. "We can now focus on putting together a winning team."
Church, who was defensive coordinator of the AFL's San Jose SaberCats for the past four seasons, will be entering his eighth year in the league.
Prior becoming the San Jose's defensive coordinator, Church was the team's secondary coach in 2000. After his first season in San Jose, he went on to become defensive coordinator for the San Francisco Demons of the XFL in 2001, returning to the SaberCats in 2002.
"Coaching in the same division as the Rattlers for years made it apparent to me that they are a first class organization," said Church. "The new ownership (Bobby Hernriech) really impressed me. In addition Coach Nudo knows what it takes to build a winner in this league."
During his four seasons as the SaberCat defensive coordinator, Church's defensive units topped the league in interceptions and interceptions returned for touchdowns two consecutive seasons (2003-04). In 2002, the SaberCat defense led the AFL in pass defense rating and turnover margin while placing in the top five in five other defensive statistical categories, helping San Jose win their first ArenaBowl Championship. San Jose earned another ArenaBowl title in 2004 while boasting defense rating mark of 98.7, becoming the only team in the AFL to have a sub-100 rating in three-consecutive seasons (2002-04).
Before his first tenure with San Jose, Church was an assistant with the AFL's Portland Forest Dragons for two seasons (1997-98). In 1999, he left the AFL to become an assistant coach at DeAnza Junior College. Church also served as defensive coordinator for San Jose State and served as a linebackers coach at Cal-Berkeley prior to getting involved in arena football.
A graduate of Cal Poly (San Luis Obispo), Church started his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 1973 under first-year head coach Tom Osborne. He resides in Los Gatos, Calif. with his daughter Kasey and son Kol.
Flanagan, who served as the Assistant Head Coach for the San Diego Riptide of the arenafootball2 league last season, will be the Rattler Line Coach.
The new coach brings ten years of coaching experience with him including coaching positions with San Bernadino (Calif.) Valley College, Chaffey College, the Oakland Invaders of the USFL and the AFL's Milwaukee Mustangs and New York CityHawks.
"I am glad to be part of a franchise that has a great winning tradition," said Flanagn. "Gene (Nudo) is a true football guy. He will bring a lot of continuity to this team."
Flanagan has an extensive football background that dates back to the 1960's. He played 10 seasons with the Detroit Lions (1965-74) and two with the San Diego Chargers (1975-76) as an offensive lineman.
Through his NFL tenure, Flanagan was a four-time Pro-Bowl selection before retiring in 1975.
A native of Altoona, Penn., was a graduate of Purdue University. He resides in Denver, Col. with his wife Tina and son Dan.
The Rattlers will kick off their 15th season in the 20-year-old Arena Football League in January of 2006. Rattler season tickets, which include all eight games played at America West Arena, can be purchased by calling 602-514-8300.
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