Preds ink Gruden to contract extension
Published on June 21, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. (June 21) -- One of the most successful head coaches in Arena Football League history will remain with the Orlando Predators for at least five more years.
On Wednesday, the Predators announced that they have reached agreement on a contract extension with Head Coach Jay Gruden that will keep the Arena Football League Hall of Famer with the Predators through the 2011 season. Terms were not disclosed.
Gruden had two more years remaining on his old contract, which was extended for three more seasons. Under Gruden, the team is coming off one of its most successful seasons ever. The team won both a Southern Division and National Conference Championship and advanced to ArenaBowl XX in Las Vegas. In addition to finishing with a 12-7 record, Orlando established club records for season ticket holders (11,244) and total revenues.
"Jay is one of the top coaches and personalities in Arena Football League history," Predators President Brett Bouchy said in announcing the new contract. "With competition getting tougher every year, the Predators have remained one of the top franchises in the Arena Football League for nearly a decade and Jay Gruden has been the one person most responsible for that success. We are absolutely thrilled that he will stay with us for at least the next five years."
"Orlando has become my home and I love the town and our fans," Gruden said. "I certainly appreciate the confidence and commitment the Predators organization has shown towards me and I am looking forward to the opportunity to challenge for more ArenaBowl titles in the years to come."
Gruden recently completed his seventh season as head coach and director of football operations. In that time, he has compiled an overall record of 76-44 (.633), including an 11-5 record in the post-season. Under Gruden, the Predators have qualified for the post-season all seven years, have played in four ArenaBowl championship games and have won a pair of titles.
Gruden currently ranks in the top ten in Arena Football League history for coaching wins, winning percentage, post-season wins and post-season winning percentage, where he ranks second with a .688 winning percentage.
He joined the Predators in 1998 and led the team to three consecutive championship games. He resigned after the 2001 season to return to the playing field. In two seasons as Predators quarterback, Gruden compiled a 20-9 record as a starting quarterback and led Orlando to the semifinals in both seasons. He returned as head coach in 2004.
Voted as the fourth greatest player in Arena Football League history, Gruden led the Tampa Bay Storm to four championships in six seasons (1991-96) before retiring to become the offensive coordinator with the Nashville Kats (1997). One season later, the Predators made Gruden the youngest head coach in the Arena Football League.
Counting his seasons as a player, offensive coordinator and head coach, Gruden has never failed to make the playoffs in his 16 seasons. His all-time Arena Football League record as a player or coach is 170-74 and includes eight ArenaBowl appearances and six championships.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 21, 2006
- Avengers exercise option on head coach Ed Hodgkiss' contract - Los Angeles Avengers
- Preds ink Gruden to contract extension - Orlando Predators
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