Blaze Hire Former Shock Offensive Coordinator

Published on September 8, 2010 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release


SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze are pleased to announce that Arena Bowl XXIII Offensive Coordinator Matt Sauk will be joining the Blaze coaching staff for the 2011 season.

"We are very pleased to have Matt Sauk join the Blaze with the wealth of his experience in the AFL both as a player and as a coach, not to mention his recent Arena Bowl championship," said Head Coach Ron James. "He will be a tremendous asset to our organization and we look forward to an exciting 2011 campaign."

Sauk joins the Blaze after aiding in the Spokane Shock's victory over the Tampa Bay Strom in to the Arena Bowl XXIII. He originally joined the Shock of the af2 as their quarterback and receiver coach after being inducted into af2 Hall of Fame. Over the course of his seven-year af2 and AFL career, Sauk distinguished himself as one of the most productive quarterbacks to ever play the game of arena football. In 2001, Sauk was recognized as the af2's Rookie of the Year after passing for a league record 86 touchdowns in a single season. Sauk continued to rewrite the af2 record book, throwing for 17,142 yards, and 345 touchdowns in his career. He ranks in the top five in six different categories, and still holds the record for most passes completed in a season (405). In 2005, Sauk was named the af2 Offensive Player of the Year and led the Louisville Fire to their first-ever appearance in the ArenaCup. That season threw 4,489 yards and 99 touchdowns. Over the course of his career he spent time with the Los Angeles Avengers, Philadelphia Soul, Grand Rapids Rampage and Arizona Rattlers of the AFL.

Head Coach Ron James' contract was also extended through the 2012 season. Terms of the contract were not disclosed per team policy.

"We feel Ron is highly qualified and committed to leading the team the highest level in the AFL," said Blaze President Bill Gibson. "His reputation is well known throughout the AFL and NFL, and we are excited to have him guide us in the upcoming seasons."

James took over the Head Coach position for the Blaze on June 1, 2010, replacing Ernesto Purnsley. On Wednesday, July 9, 2008, James was promoted to the head coaching position of the Blaze, replacing Danny White. Due to the hiatus of the AFL, James never officially logged a game as the head coach of the Blaze. Prior to his promotion, James completed his second season with the Blaze as the Defensive Coordinator and Director of Player Personnel and 11th season in the Arena Football League.

James was the Head Coach of the Las Vegas Gladiators (now Cleveland Gladiators) for two seasons (2005, 2006). In 2005, his team led the AFL in total offense and team defense, and set 14 new offensive and defensive team records. Prior to being named head coach of Las Vegas, James was the assistant head coach/OL/DL/Special Teams coach of the Gladiators for three seasons. Before joining the Gladiators, he was the line coach for the Houston ThunderBears and Director of Player Personnel from 1999-2001. He also was an assistant coach with the Albany Firebirds from 1990-91. James' current head coaching record is 14-26 overall.

The Utah Blaze enter their fifth season in the Arena Football League in 2011 and were recipients of the Best Support Staff Award for the 2006 and 2007 seasons as recognized by the League office. There are still big things to come for the Utah Blaze amidst the offseason. Make sure to follow the Blaze on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news on the team. The 2011 Blaze Season Tickets are on SALE NOW! Call 888-99BLAZE to reserve your seat in the action or information can be found at www.utblaze.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Arena Football League Stories from September 8, 2010


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.

OurSports Central