L.A. Avengers hire new director of football operations
September 7, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release
LOS ANGELES -- Jason McKay, who previously spent five years in the player personnel department of the Dallas Cowboys, has joined the Los Angeles Avengers as director of football operations, team owner and chief executive officer Casey Wasserman announced today.
McKay will be responsible for implementing the organizational strategy for football operations, working closely with Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss and his staff to determine roster composition and develop long-term strategies. He will negotiate all player contracts, oversee compliance with the Arena Football League's salary cap policies and monitor the football operations budget each year.
"We're very excited about adding Jason to our team," Wasserman said. "He comes to us with some great experience, both in the AFL and NFL. Working alongside our coaching staff, I have no doubt that he will help us remain at the forefront of player personnel matters in our league."
While with the Cowboys, McKay worked under vice president Stephen Jones and also handled salary cap management, player contracts and player benefits for the AFL's Dallas Desperados franchise, which is also owned and operated by the Jones family.
"I'll always be appreciative of the Cowboys for giving me my start, allowing me to grow within their organization and being supportive of this new direction in my career," McKay said. "Coming to the Avengers in this role is a big step and I look forward to meeting the challenges it presents."
McKay, 29, joined the Cowboys in 1993, working in various areas, including the Cowboys' Pro Shop and gameday merchandising at Texas Stadium.
A native of Dallas, he graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in mechanical engineering technology.
McKay replaces Kevin Demoff, who was with the Avengers for the past four seasons before deciding to return to Dartmouth College and pursue a master's degree at the Tuck School of Business.
The Avengers went 9-7 this past season and qualified for the ArenaBowl Playoffs for the third consecutive year, as quarterback Tony Graziani directed the AFL's highest scoring offense (56.5 points per game), while tossing a league-high 99 touchdown passes. Last season, 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.
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