L.A. Avengers hire Mike Wilpolt as new defensive coordinator
Published on September 13, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release
LOS ANGELES -- Mike Wilpolt, who dramatically turned around the fortunes of the Indiana Firebirds last season, has been hired by the Los Angeles Avengers as the team's new defensive coordinator, head coach Ed Hodgkiss announced today.
Wilpolt took over as the head coach of the Firebirds last March after the team lost its first five games under the direction of Steve DeBerg. Wilpolt responded immediately by leading Indiana to six consecutive victories and into playoff contention. The Firebirds ended the 2004 season at 8-8, giving Wilpolt an 8-3 record and establishing him as a finalist for the AFL's "Coach of the Year" award.
"We're extremely fortunate to be adding somebody of Mike Wilpolt's caliber to our staff," said Hodgkiss, who has led the Avengers to the playoffs in each of his three years at the helm. "The fact that he has some prior head coaching experience is an extra benefit to his extensive knowledge as a defensive coordinator. Mike always has been a tough guy to go against. His defenses play hard and smart. In addition, we are longtime friends, so I'm very excited about having him onboard."
Wilpolt, 36, replaces Doug Kay, who was relieved of his duties on June 23, after two seasons with the club.
The Avengers led the league in scoring with 56.5 points per game in 2004, but allowed an average of 50.7 points (14th in the AFL). In addition, Los Angeles was last in the league in total defense, surrendering an average of 291.6 yards per game. The Avenger defense was second in the AFL against the rush, but last versus the pass, allowing an average of 278.1 yards per game through the air.
Prior to assuming the reigns in Indiana, Wilpolt was the team's defensive coordinator for the previous three seasons. He continued in that role last season, which was his fifth with the Firebird franchise, and also coached the defensive backs.
"I'm thrilled to be joining the Avengers," Wilpolt said. "I've heard nothing but good things about the franchise. Ed Hodgkiss is one of the best coaches in the AFL and I had the pleasure of working alongside him for three seasons while we were both with the Firebirds."
In 1999, when the Firebird franchise was still in Albany, Wilpolt was the special teams coordinator and helped the Firebirds capture the world championship at ArenaBowl XIII. The following season, he was promoted to defensive coordinator. Hodgkiss was the Firebirds' offensive coordinator in each of those years.
"During those days, I learned a lot from Ed about how to be an AFL coach and from observing his very professional approach to coaching," Wilpolt said.
On Wednesday, the Firebirds announced that they were ceasing all business operations effective immediately.
"It's a tough situation," Wilpolt said. "The Firebirds gave me my first shot at coaching in the AFL and it was a great organization to be a part of. I'm disappointed that they are closing their doors, but on the other hand, I'm very excited about joining the Avengers."
Wilpolt played four years in the AFL with the Charlotte Rage (1992), Las Vegas Sting (1994-95) and Anaheim Piranhas (1996). During his stint with Anaheim, he established a since-broken league record with 16 tackles in a single game.
Wilpolt was a two-sport athlete at Mesa State College (Grand Junction, Colo.). On the gridiron, he was a three-year starter as a defensive back. Wilpolt was named to the All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference team two times. As a senior in 1991, he was an NAIA All-America selection and earned the school's "Scholar Athlete of the Year" award. Wilpolt originally went to Mesa State on a wrestling scholarship and was a national qualifier in both of the seasons he competed in for the Mavericks (1988-89).
After concluding his playing career in the AFL, he returned to Mesa State to begin his coaching career, tutoring the defensive backs in 1998.
A native of Broomfield, Colo., Wilpolt and his wife, Deseree Becker, reside in Indianapolis during the offseason.
The Avengers went 9-7 this past season, as quarterback Tony Graziani tossed a league-high 99 touchdown passes. In 2004, the Avengers averaged 12,590 fans at their eight home games at STAPLES Center. Fifty dollar deposits for 2005 Avenger season tickets are now being accepted at 1-888-AVENGERS or online at www.laavengers.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from September 13, 2004
- L.A. Avengers hire Mike Wilpolt as new defensive coordinator - Los Angeles Avengers
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