Force Secure Coaching Staff for 2008 Season

Published on July 23, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Georgia Force News Release


FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - The Georgia Force has announced that the team has signed two-time AFL Coach of the Year Doug Plank to a three-year extension. In addition, Defensive Coordinator Bob Kronenberg signed a contract extension; Director of Football Operations Jim Kubiak is assuming the Offensive Coordinator role and former Force WR/LB Dialleo Burks (pronounced dee-AH-low) will be joining the staff as special teams and WR/LB coach.

PLANK continued to add to his impressive coaching resume in 2007 as he assembled a Force team that finished with a franchise-best 14-2 regular season record. Georgia finished the regular season with a perfect 8-0 record against Southern Division opponents and an unblemished 8-0 mark at Philips Arena en route to their second Southern Division Championship in three seasons. The 8-0 record against Southern Division opponents marked the first time in AFL history a team swept the Southern Division. The Force also recorded a franchise-best 6-2 record on the road during the regular season. Due to his team's historical performance throughout the regular season, Plank was named AFL Coach of the Year for the second time in three seasons. He is one of two coaches to earn the award in two of his first three seasons as a head coach in AFL history (John Gregory 1995 and ‘96).

In his first three seasons as Georgia's head coach, Plank has led the Force to a 37-18 (.673) overall record and a trip to ArenaBowl XIX in 2005. Under Plank's tutelage, Georgia has made three consecutive playoff appearances and has won two Southern Division Championships (2005 and ‘07). Plank has posted a 33-15 (.688) regular season record in his first three seasons with the Force. His 33 victories are the most by any head coach in their first three years on the job in AFL history. Since joining the club in 2005, the team has tallied a 23-5 overall record at home, including two playoff wins in '05 and one this past season.

"We are very pleased to be able to secure Doug for an additional three years," stated team President Dick Sullivan. "Doug has proven to be one of the best coaches in the AFL over the last three seasons and is a critical piece as we pursue an ArenaBowl Championship."

Wrapping up his sixth season in the AFL coaching ranks, BOB KRONENBERG has the longest tenure with the Georgia Force coaching staff, serving as the assistant head coach and the defensive coordinator for the last six seasons. Over that time, his primary focus has been coaching the club's offensive and defensive lines.

In his sixth season with the Force, Kronenberg's defense ranked first in the league in sacks (29), second in rushing defense (11.7 ypg), sixth in turnover margin (+6), fifth in fourth down conversions (47.2 pct) and seventh in total touchdowns against (116). The 29-sack performance by the Force defense was good enough to lead the league for the first-time in team history and set a new franchise single-season high for the second consecutive season. Kronenberg's trio of defensive linemen comprised of, Jermaine Smith (7.5), Ernest Allen (6.5) and Mike Sutton (four), accounted for 18 of the team's league-high 29 sacks.

"Kronenberg is a valuable component to our coaching staff and we are extremely happy to be able to retain his services," remarked Sullivan. "His defensive and offensive lines are coming off record breaking performances and he is very determined to lead his group to a better season in 2008."

KUBIAK served as Georgia's Director of Football Operations in 2007, and will add Offensive Coordinator to his title in 2008. He has spent six-years in the AFL, as a player (2001-03, 2005), coach (2006) and front office executive (2007) and has experienced success at each position. Kubiak played a key role in the acquisition of All-Arena first team and AFL record setting QB Chris Greisen prior to the start of the '07 season. In 2006, Kubiak served as the Offensive Coordinator of the Philadelphia Soul and help lead the Soul to their first playoff appearance and first playoff victory in franchise history. Philadelphia finished the season ranked sixth in the AFL in total yards per game (289.1 ypg) under his leadership. Kubiak will continue to be responsible for all aspects of the football operations of the Georgia Force; scouting, player selection and development, coach and player contracts, and a myriad of other football administration responsibilities in addition to his Offensive Coordinator duties.

"Kubiak has displayed the ability to lead and recognize talented players throughout his time in the AFL as a player, coach and front office executive," said Sullivan. "He was a vital component in obtaining QB Chris Greisen in the offseason and we are looking forward to them working together on the field in 2008."

BURKS spent the previous six seasons playing WR/LB for the Dallas Desperados (2002-03 and 06-07) and the Georgia Force (2004-05). He was a fixture at jack linebacker during his playing career and will use his knowledge of the position to assist the Force linebacking corps in improving for the 2008 season. Burks played in 68 career games and posted 60.5 tackles, 21 passes defensed, seven interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in six seasons. In 2006, his last full season in the AFL, he tallied 92 receptions for 1,130 yards with a career-high 29 touchdowns in 16 games with Dallas. In almost two seasons with the Force, he hauled in 91 catches for 1,255 yards with 18 touchdowns on offense and added 26.5 tackles, 10 passes defensed and three interceptions on defense.

"Burks brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of Arena Football with him," commented Sullivan. "He will be a positive influence on and off the field for our team in 2008. Burks' experience with high powered offenses coupled with his ability to teach the nuances of the jack linebacker position will only add to our coaching staff."

For more information, please contact the Force Football Communications Department.

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