Pirates Add Orell and Gray to Coaching Staff
March 31, 2022 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Massachusetts Pirates News Release
WORCESTER, MA - The Massachusetts Pirates have added two coaches to its staff heading into Sunday's game vs. the Quad City Steamwheelers at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center at 1:05 pm. Massachusetts has brought back offensive line coach Rob Orell and added former five-time All-Arena wideout Reggie Gray who will serve as receivers coach and special teams assistant.
Orell, who calls Worcester home, first joined the Pirates during the 2019 season. After the pandemic he returned to coach an offensive line that paved the way to a championship as well as becoming the third highest scoring offense in the league at 44.4 points per game. The offensive front of Jordan McCray, Jared Thomas and Marquis Lucas opened holes for running back Justin Stockton, a top-ten rusher in the IFL and protected quarterback Alejandro Bennifield, the Most Valuable Player in the United Bowl victory over the Arizona Rattlers. Under Orell's direction McCray was a First Team All-IFL selection while Thomas was an All-Rookie and second team member. Both, along with Lucas were selected in the recent USFL draft.
Orell was an offensive lineman at Nichols College from 2013 through 2016. He played professional indoor football for the Myrtle Beach Masters for one season and returned to Nichols College as an offensive line coach from 2017 to 2019.
The Pirates are hoping that Gray's impressive credentials as a player will transfer as a coach for their wide receivers and on special teams. Gray, a two-time Arena Football League champion, was the Most Valuable Player in ArenaBowl XXVIII in 2015 with the San Jose SaberCats. He also won an AFL Championship in 2018 with the Washington Valor. During his AFL career, Gray recorded 879 receptions, 10,945 yards, and 267 touchdown receptions. Gray has worked as a wide receivers' coach at Elmhurst College in his home state of Illinois.
Gray, who hails from Chicago, played 14 seasons professionally (nine in the AFL) was also an explosive kick returner with 302 returns for 5,752 yards and 15 TD's. During his career he also had two rushing touchdowns and was two for two passing as both went for touchdowns.
The 2021 United Bowl Champions; Massachusetts Pirates are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL). The Pirates play all home games at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center located at 50 Foster St. Worcester, MA, 01608. For more information on the Massachusetts Pirates please call (508)452-MASS (6277), email contact@masspiratesfootball.com or visit http://www.masspiratesfootball.com. For 2022 season, half-season, luxury, or group ticket packages please call 508-452-MASS (6277) or visit http://www.masspiratesfootball.com/tickets. Follow the Pirates on Facebook via Facebook.com/MAPirates, Instagram @mass.pirates, and Twitter @mass_pirates.
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