Green Bay Blizzard Welcome New Head Coach
February 22, 2007 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Green Bay Blizzard News Release
The Green Bay Blizzard is pleased to announce that Doug Lytle has been named Head Coach of the Green Bay Blizzard for the 2007 season. Lytle returns to the Green Bay Blizzard for his third season. In his first two years, Lytle was the FB/LB/Special Teams Coach (2005-2006).
In 2005, the Blizzard made their first ever playoff appearance, after posting a 9-7 regular season record. In his second season as an assistant coach, the Blizzard compiled a 10-6 regular season record, making it all the way to ArenaCup7 in Puerto Rico. Earning the East Division and American Conference Championships, Lytle's expertise comes in defense and special teams where the Blizzard was ranked third in the league in Red Zone Defense and fourth in scoring defense (44.9 ppg/avg).
Doug Lytle brings a wealth of experience in Arena Football. Lytle started his career as a player in the AFL with the Milwaukee Mustangs. He played two seasons as center/nose guard. It was in Milwaukee where Lytle first played under former Blizzard Head Coach Bob Landsee. This is where the two started their AFL careers together (2000-2001). From Milwaukee, Lytle went to the Toronto Phantoms where he again played for Coach Landsee and former Toronto Head Coach and Blizzard Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Mark Stoute (2002). Following the 2002 season, Lytle entered into free agency, where he then signed with the Dallas Desperados. His season ended abruptly in week 15 of the 2003 season with a knee injury. From Dallas, Lytle then signed with the Indiana Firebirds where he was reunited with Coach Bob Landsee for his final season.
Doug Lytle retired from his playing career after the 2004 season. He then followed Coach Landsee to Green Bay, where he started his coaching career. In his two years with the Blizzard, Coach Lytle helped the team reach their first ever playoff appearance in 2005 and East Division and American Conference Championship in 2006.
A statement from Head Coach Doug Lytle:
"It's an honor to be following in the footsteps of Coach Landsee. He has meant so much to me, not only as a player, but also as a coach these past two years."
"Not only has Coach Landsee been a great friend, but together we have put together a great foundation for a winning organization. A lot of the same coaching philosophies and lessons taught to me by Coach Landsee, will still be utilized to continue the winning traditions that have been built over the past two seasons."
"It's my job to continue to develop players and send them to the AFL, with the opportunity to bring an af2 championship to Green Bay."
"I thank Brian Noble and the Blizzard organization for the opportunity to lead this team in the 2007 season."
Comment From Bob Landsee:
"This has been a very difficult decision but at the same time an easy one. Due to complications in a recent knee replacement surgery it became clear to me and my family that I would not be able to continue coaching the Green Bay Blizzard at this time. The easy part of the decision was knowing I was leaving the team in good hands.
It has been a pleasure watching Doug Lytle grow as a player, a person and a coach over the past six years. I am confident that he will continue to build the winning tradition we have established in Green Bay.
I look forward to joining everyone April 13th at our home opener and hoisting the American Conference Champion banner."
Comment From Blizzard President Brian Noble:
"I am both saddened and excited to make this announcement. To say Bob exceeded my expectations would be an understatement. What he has done here I could not be more grateful, but knowing exactly what he is going through I can appreciate his decision. I know, however, it will be difficult to keep Bob away when he is healthy.
I have all the confidence in the world in Doug Lytle. Having watched him the past couple of years we will not find a more organized and dedicated individual. I look forward to watching Doug and how he continues to develop players and win championships.
We are excited about our 2007 season. We believe we have the players and the coaches to again put a trophy in our case."
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
