Firebirds Round out 2004 Coaching Staff
September 19, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Firebirds of the Arena Football League rounded out their coaching staff Friday, announcing the hiring of two new coaches and the retention of one coach from the previous regime. Joining head coach Steve DeBerg and defensive coordinator Mike Wilpolt on the Firebirds' coaching staff are: Mark Stoute (Assistant Head Coach/Director of Player Personnel); Bob Landsee (Offensive/Defensive Line); and Willie Wood Jr. (wide receivers) who were announced as the newest members of the Firebirds' coaching staff.
"Coach DeBerg has been working around the clock over the past month to assemble a top flight coaching staff," said Firebirds GM John Kolner. "He has undoubtedly succeeded in assembling one of the most experienced and quality coaching staffs in all of Arena Football."
A Barbados native, Stoute is no stranger to the Arena Football League, having spent the past seven seasons as both a coach and front office executive in the league. In 2003, he served as the head coach of the Mohegan Wolves of the arenafootball2 league, leading them to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth. Prior to 2003, he served as Head Coach and General Manager of the AFL's Toronto Phantoms, guiding them to a 13-15 record over two seasons and an Eastern Division Championship in 2001.
Stoute got his first front office opportunity in 1997 with the Florida Bobcats, where he served a two-year stint as their Director of Player Personnel and Offensive Assistant. He took over as the New England Sea Wolves Director of Football Operations/Player Personnel in 1999 and stayed with the franchise through its move to Toronto, where they became known as the Phantoms. Stoute has also served as a coach in the Arena League with the Charlotte Rage (1996) and the Connecticut Coyotes (1995). In addition to the Arena League, he has also served as the special teams coach for Southern Connecticut State University.
Bob Landsee comes to the Firebirds after having taken a year sabbatical from coaching. Prior to coming to the Firebirds he served as line coach for the Toronto Phantom's (2002), Milwaukee Mustangs' (2000-2001) and the Offensive Coordinator for the af2's Madison Mad Dogs' (1999). Landsee has ties to Firebirds players having previously coached Firebirds free agents OL/DL Hugh Hunter and FB/LB Rich Young during his time in Milwaukee. Landsee was a sixth round draft choice of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1986 and played three years in the NFL. He was a standout offensive lineman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he was a two-time All American and two time All Big Ten selection.
Willie Wood will return as Firebirds' receivers coach, joining defensive coordinator Mike Wilpolt as the only two returning coaches from last season Wood will be entering his third season as an Assistant Coach with the Firebirds and his fifth season overall with the organization, having been a wide receiver for the team from 1992-1993 when they were based in Albany.
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.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from September 19, 2003
- Firebirds Round out 2004 Coaching Staff - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
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