Blaze Hires Keefe to Run Defense
Published on May 24, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - Six days after surrendering 86 points to the Arizona Rattlers, the Utah Blaze has decided to make a coaching change. Blaze President & Head Coach Ron James announced today that the franchise has hired former Spokane Shock head coach Rob Keefe to serve as the team's new defensive coordinator.
"Making a change on the coaching staff is difficult at any juncture of the season," said James. We are fortunate that a coach of Rob Keefe's caliber was available and we are confident that he can help us make the necessary adjustments to enable us to play a better brand of defense for the remainder of the season."
Keefe is the youngest head coach in AFL history to win a championship and the only player to win titles in both the AFL and af2. His coaching career began in 2009 with the Spokane Shock, where he helped the team secure an af2 Championship. After being promoted to head coach in 2010, Keefe directed Spokane to its only AFL Championship, as the franchise defeated the Tampa Bay Storm in ArenaBowl XXIII.
As a player, Keefe joined the Shock during the team's inaugural season in 2006 and played two seasons in Spokane. He was a two-time All-af2 selection and was instrumental in guiding the franchise to an ArenaCup Championship in 2006. Keefe later signed with the Philadelphia Soul in 2008, where he helped the team earn a victory over the San Jose SaberCats in ArenaBowl XXII.
"Coach Keefe understands the arena game very well and has won championships as both a player and a head coach. He is an enthusiastic leader with a true passion for the game of arena football. We are excited to have him on our staff and eager to introduce him to the Blaze Nation this weekend as we take on the San Antonio Talons."
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