Back Committed to Fighters' Excellence
Published on December 12, 2022 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Frisco Fighters News Release
For years, Billy Back has told himself something will come up.
In a business where nothing is a sure thing, it's been necessary for him to trust that one door would open shortly after another closed. Luckily, the indoor football mainstay and Frisco Fighters head coach no longer has to concern himself with the next opportunity.
After he'd steered it to a 15-3 record in his initial season at the helm, the team announced in October that it had signed Back to a two-year contract extension that will run through the 2024 season.
"It's a complete blessing," Back said. "The stability in this game is about as stable as a lemonade stand ... Being with a group like the Germain family that's a family-oriented business - if you treat them right, they're going to treat you right."
Not only does he relish the task of leading the Fighters, but also that of helping boost his players to higher levels of the game. With a player-personnel partnership with the XFL, even more opportunities will come about for Indoor Football League players in the upcoming campaign.
The XFL, which houses its headquarters nearby in Arlington, will have access to the IFL's game and practice film, along with sending a representative to all team tryouts. IFL players will also get a private workout following the season.
"We're here as a stepping stone league to get those guys to that next level," Back said. "We welcome it, we want it. It's our job as coaches to recruit and go out to get the next guy to get moved up."
For a squad that is dealing with a good bit of turnover - due in large part to players such as Charles Williams and J.R. Hensley getting such chances on an outdoor stage - Back plans to remain a pillar.
"I just want to keep building," he said. "We're trying to win games. We want to do it the right way. We want to have a good name with our guys in the community."
Bringing in guys who conduct themselves positively and professionally is high on Back's list of priorities. He wants team success to be a product of doing things the right way.
"I think a lot of coaches are doing it that way, looking at character first," he said. "It's just been a blessing to get the guys you do trust in as players and respect the game, respect the organization, and respect you as a man and a coach.
"I think that's just trying to build the respect and the program we're trying to get done."
Back sees himself eventually finishing his career with Frisco.
"I've put everything I've had into this indoor, arena game for the last 16, 17 seasons - from playing to coaching," Back said. "You want to be somewhere that's stable. You want to be able to be there and be a part of it, not change the playbook every two years and figure out the rule set again. We've moved from league to league and the IFL is where I'm going to end coaching.
"As long as the Frisco Fighters are around and they'll have me, I'll be there."
Indoor Football League Stories from December 12, 2022
- Tulsa Native Tre Harvey Signs with the Oilers - Tulsa Oilers
- Fighters Sign Defensive Lineman Rashad Brandon - Frisco Fighters
- Back Committed to Fighters' Excellence - Frisco Fighters
- In Memory of John Gregory - Iowa Barnstormers
- Baldwin Returns to Barnstormers - Iowa Barnstormers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
