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IFL Iowa Barnstormers

Barnstormers Name Rob Keefe as Assistant Head Coach

April 13, 2021 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release


DES MOINES - The Iowa Barnstormers have named Rob Keefe as Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Head Coach Les Moss announced today. 

Keefe has an extensive coaching background, with 14 years of experience. Most recently, Keefe served as Head Coach of the Albany Empire (AFL) in 2019, leading the team to an Arena Bowl XXXII victory in front of 12,000 fans after a 10-2 first place regular season record. In his two seasons as Head Coach of the Empire, Keefe compiled an overall record of 22-7 with two first place finishes, earning the top seed in the playoffs both years. During this time, the Empire boasted numerous individual player accolades including two MVP awards, two Offensive Player of the Year awards, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, two Offensive Lineman of the Year awards, two Defensive Lineman of the Year awards, two Wide Receiver of the Year awards, one Rookie of the Year award, one Kicker of the Year award, and 23 All-Arena players.

With five total championship titles to his name, Keefe is the only player in AFL history to win Arena Cup (AF2) and Arena Bowl (AFL) titles as both a player and a head coach. His Arena Bowl championship in 2010 with the Spokane Shock made him the youngest head coach in league history to win it all.

"I'm very excited to bring Coach Keefe aboard and be able to work alongside him again as we transition into the Indoor Football League," said Head Coach Moss. "To be able to bring a coach with Coach Keefe's background to a storied team like the Barnstormers in my first year as Head Coach is a testament to the quality of this great organization."

Keefe has accumulated great experience throughout his tenure in arena football, as both a player and a coach. He began as a defensive back for the Spokane Shock in the AF2. During his two-year run with the Shock, Keefe finished as the team's career leader in tackles and interceptions and earned all AF2 honors in both seasons. He entered the AFL with the Philadelphia Soul in 2008, helping the team win Arena Bowl XXI as a defensive back and kick returner.

In 2009 Keefe returned to Spokane, this time as the defensive backs coach. In his first season coaching, the Shock boasted the league's top ranked defense, allowing a mere 37.6 points per game, capping the season off with an Arena Cup title. The next year, Keefe was promoted to Head Coach as the Shock joined the Arena Football League. The Shock finished their inaugural AFL season with the league's best record (13-3) and ended as Arena Bowl Champions.

As a Head Coach in the AFL, Keefe has accumulated an 83-40 overall record. He is also top ten in victories, winning percentage, post season victories, and most Arena Bowl victories. The average margin of victory in 2019 for the Albany Empire was 16 points, as the offense led by Coach Les Moss averaged a league best 52.5 points per game and the defense also finished with a league best of holding opponents to 36.5 points per game.

Before becoming the Head Coach of the Albany Empire, Keefe spent time coaching the Utah Blaze and the Orlando Predators, continuing his success.

"I am very excited to join the historic Iowa Barnstormers franchise in the fun and exciting IFL," said Keefe. "I would like to thank Head Coach Les Moss, President Jeff Lamberti, and General Manager Juli Pettit for the opportunity to positively impact the wonderful Des Moines community and the Iowa Barnstormers organization."

Season Tickets for the Iowa Barnstormers 2021 season are available now! For as low as $96 per seat, fans can enjoy the action from the same great seat location each game. For more information, call the Barnstormers at (515) 633-2255 or log on to www.theiowabarnstormers.com.

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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.

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