Firebirds Receive Three Players from Crush
June 26, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - After thirteen seasons, the Mike Dailey era is officially over with the Indiana Firebirds. Dailey will officially be named head coach of the Colorado Crush early next week. The deal for Dailey -- who had one year left in his contract with the Firebirds--comes with a price. In exchange for his rights, the Birds will receive defensive specialists Anthony Derricks and Delvin Hughley as well as offensive/defensive lineman Chris Janek, Firebirds general manager Joe Hennessy confirmed.
"This is a very exciting day in the history of the Firebirds organization," said Firebirds general manager Joe Hennessy. "With 14 free agents currently on our roster, we are able to secure three solid Arena Football League players in this transaction, it is a great move for the team. We think all three will have an immediate impact on our program and will help us to get back to winning football again."
Derricks (6-0, 185 Mississippi State), a four-year veteran of the Arena Football League, comes to the Firebirds after spending parts of last season with the Crush and the Chicago Rush. He spent his first three seasons with the Toronto Phantoms (formally New England SeaWolves). Derricks is considered of the most dangerous kick returners in the League. Derricks average of 22.6 yards per kick return ranks second all time in AFL history. Derricks holds the League's single game record with kickoffs returned for a touchdown (4) and most yards gained (336 yards). He also holds the League record for highest return average (25.1) in a season. During each of his first three seasons, Derricks has led his team in both tackles and interceptions. In 2000, Derricks was named to the all-Rookie team and finished second in the Rookie of the Year balloting. In 46 career games, Derricks has returned 202 kicks for 4,601 yards and 14 touchdowns. On defense, he has tallied 235.5 tackles, 16 interceptions, 49 pass deflections, three forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries.
Hughley (5-11, 190 Jacksonville State) led the Crush with 71.5 tackles during his rookie campaign. An excellent young prospect, he also totaled ten pass break-ups and a forced fumble. Hughley spent time with the Denver Broncos as a defensive back during portions of the last two NFL seasons. He initially signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2001. At Jacksonville State he was a three-time all conference selection and Division I-AA All-American.
Janek (6-4, 295 Wisconsin), a three-year AFL veteran, anchored the Crush's line during the 2003 season. A solid offensive center, Janek recorded 11.5 tackles and was past of a Crush's offensive unit that only allowed 12 sacks during the season. Colorado traded one of its picks in the 2003 AFL Expansion Draft to the New Jersey Gladiators for the rights to Janek.
He spent his first AFL season with the Milwaukee Mustangs and was later traded to the Gladiators prior to the 2002 season. In 14 games with New Jersey, Janek allowed only one sack on offense. In 35 career games, Janek has recorded 17.5 tackles including one for a loss and a quarterback hurry.
The Firebirds have struggled with Dailey at the helm over the past two seasons posting a 13-17 (.433) record. In 2003, the Birds failed to make the playoffs for the first time since the 1997 season.
Hennessy continued, "I am sad to see Mike go. He has been a good personal friend of mine for the past eleven years but I think it is in both parties best interest to move on."
Hennessy has already begun interviewing candidates for the Firebirds coaching vacancy and plans on naming a new head coach by mid-late July.
This is the first time in League history that a head coach has been traded to another team for player compensation. Two other times in league history an assistant coach has left one team for another while still under contract. In 1997, then Nashville Kats offensive coordinator, Jay Gruden was hired by the Orlando Predators as their head man. This past offseason former Dallas Desperados offensive coordinator Tom Luginbill was hired by the Detroit Fury in the same capacity.
Firebirds' season tickets for the 2004 season are on sale now and can be purchased by calling a Firebirds' ticket representative at 317.472.8080. Firebirds merchandise is also available at Home Court Gift Shop. For merchandise information, please call 317.917.2755.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 26, 2003
- Firebirds Receive Three Players from Crush - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
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