Force sign head coach Doug Plank to contract extension
May 18, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Georgia Force News Release
FLOWERY BRANCH, GA, May 18, 2005 â The 2005 Southern Division champion Georgia Force announced today that they have exercised the option of head coach Doug Plank and signed him to a contract extension through the 2007 AFL season. The club also announced that both offensive coordinator Steve Thonn and defensive coordinator Bob Kronenberg were signed to contract extensions.
"We truly believe that our success this season can be attributed to the commitment in our team by our owner Arthur Blank," said Plank. "As a coach, when you are given the resources for success and winning, it can make all the difference. We could not be happier knowing that we will be a part of this Georgia Force organization for future years and building upon what we have started this season as a team."
"We are also pleased to be extending the contracts of both our coordinators. It was important for me to know that Steve and Bob were going to be a part of this staff as we move forward. Continuity is very important in this league and I feel fortunate to have two of the best coaches along side with me."
Director of Football Operations Nick Polk explained, "Doug has shown throughout his coaching career and now as the head coach of the Georgia Force, the ability to instill success. As an organization, we felt it was important to show our commitment in extending his contract at this time to secure and ensure the future success of our team."
This year, Plank, in his first-season as a head coach, has led the Georgia Force to the team's first-ever division title. Last week, the Force clinched the top seed in the National Conference with their League-best 11-4 record.
Plank, a former defensive coordinator with the Arizona Rattlers for the last three years which included three consecutive trips to the ArenaBowl, has helped turn the Georgia franchise around in just one season. The Force have eclipsed their record for most regular season wins and have won more home games this season then the last two years combined becoming the first team in League history to go undefeated at home (8-0) since the AFL moved to a 16-game regular season schedule. The Force will also be hosting the first-ever playoff game of any sport in the six-year history of Philips Arena when the AFL playoffs begin on Sunday, May 29th.
This season the Force have been highly effective on both sides of the ball. Currently, Thonn's offense is ranked second in the League in scoring efficiency, with 103 touchdowns and seven field goals in 151 possessions (72.8 percent). On defense, Kronenberg's unit ranks second in the AFL in points allowed per game (46.1) and fifth in red zone defense only allowing opponents to score on just 56-of-72 tries on the season inside in the 10 yard line.
The Georgia Force (11-4) travel cross-country for their regular season finale against the defending AreanBowl champion San Jose SaberCats (8-7) on Saturday, May 21st at 10:30 p.m. ET. Force 2005 playoff tickets are on sale and may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (404) 249-6400 or for more information, visit www.georgiaforce.com.
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