Nudo Will Not Return As Head Coach
Published on June 19, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
PHOENIX - The Arizona Rattlers announced that Gene Nudo will not be returning as head coach for the 2008 season, but will remain with the organization in a football administrative and consulting capacity.
"Gene has been a valued associate over the last two seasons," said President Blake Edwards. His passion and commitment for this game is unmatched. I look forward to continuing the relationship in his modified capacity."
"Our fans expect and deserve team performance that competes at a championship level year in and year out, said Edwards. "We are committed to delivering on those expectations".
As head coach for two seasons, Nudo's record was 13-21 with a trip to the American conference Semifinals in 2006. The Rattlers 2007 season ended with a 66-26 loss to division rival San Jose this past Saturday. The team finished the season with a 4-12 record.
"Although our record wasn't what is should have been, I am proud to have been associated with this group of players, some of who will be future stars of the AFL, said Nudo"
"Gene stepped in to a very difficult situation two seasons ago and, for that, I offer my sincerest appreciation," said Owner Bob Hernreich. "However, I have felt for some time that something different had to happen to change the direction of our on-field performance".
Nudo, who joined the Rattlers as an assistant head coach in 1995 after serving as the Arena Football League's Vice President of Football Operations, became the team's Vice President of Administration the following season. Nudo has also served as the team's Vice President of Operations for eight seasons before becoming general manager in 2004. Nudo was named head coach prior to the 2006 season.
A true pioneer in the AFL, Nudo coached the first-ever Arena Football games in Rockford, Ill. (1986), as well as it's "Showcase Game" in Rosemont, Ill. (1987). He would later serve as the Director of Player Personnel and assistant coach for the Chicago Bruisers (1987-88), helping guide them to a berth in ArenaBowl II. In his 12 seasons at the team level, Nudo's franchises have competed in five ArenaBowls, winning one with the Rattlers in 1997.
"I want to thank Bob Hernreich for keeping the Rattlers in Phoenix and ultimately if this change helps the organization achieve success, we will be happy," said Nudo.
"We will begin the process immediately to fill the void," said Edwards. "We are confident that this job is as attractive as any in the Arena Football League."
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