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Rampage Begin Search for New Head Coach

August 6, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


Grand Rapids, Mich. - Following six seasons in which he helped guide the Grand Rapids Rampage's growth from an expansion franchise to ArenaBowl XV champions, Michael Trigg on Wednesday resigned his position as head coach and director of football operations for the Arena Football League team.

Trigg, whose next AFL opportunity will be announced within the coming weeks, compiled an overall record of 46-45 with the Rampage since being hired prior to their 1998 expansion season. Under his tutelage, Grand Rapids earned playoff berths each of the last five seasons and claimed the ArenaBowl championship in 2001.

The Rampage, who have already begun their search for a new head coach, are expected to announce Trigg's successor within the next month, well before the start of the AFL's free agent signing period in October.

A veteran of 15 AFL seasons, Trigg spent the last 10 as a head coach for Grand Rapids (1998-2003), Milwaukee (1995-97) and Fort Worth (1994). His lifetime mark of 73-73 ties him with Chicago's Mike Hohensee for the fourth-highest win total in league history.

"As I embark on a new challenge, I will always cherish my six seasons in Grand Rapids," said Trigg. "Our championship is something that we'll always have together and something I'll take to my deathbed, the fact that I'm able to wear that ring.

"This without question is a decision that has weighed heavy on my heart over the last month. Although it is exciting for my career, it comes at a heavy price of having to move my family from a city and an organization we've come to love. DP Fox is very well-run, and I've had the pleasure of working alongside many great people. However, I've always had ambitions and goals of moving into a front office position, and I want to expand my horizons so that one day that can be an eventuality. In addition, I'm a coach who has always embraced challenges, be it in Fort Worth, Milwaukee or Grand Rapids, and I'm not afraid of the process of what it takes to turn something around or start something new. These opportunities to become more of an administrator don't come around very often, and when they do, you have to seize them.

"The nucleus of players that is here in Grand Rapids is ready for success, with 14 players under contract for the 2004 season," continued Trigg. "I feel that the team is in very good shape for the next coach. It's been a great run, and I walk out of here feeling proud."

Following the Rampage's 3-11 inaugural season in 1998, Trigg's charges posted an 8-6 record in 1999, tying the second-best single-season turnaround in AFL history and earning the franchise's first postseason appearance.

Grand Rapids' third trip to the playoffs proved to be the charm, as the team from the AFL's smallest market won ArenaBowl XV on Aug. 19, 2001, in front of a sold-out Van Andel Arena and a national television audience. During the team's championship run, Trigg was honored as the AFL's Coach of the Year for guiding the Rampage to a league-best 11-3 regular season record. They capped off their remarkable season by defeating the Nashville Kats, 64-42, becoming the first number-one seed to win a title since Arizona in 1997.

"I want to thank Michael for what he's done for us as an organization," said Dan DeVos, Rampage president and CEO. "You took a chance with a new team and molded us into a champion, and you did it in a way that exemplifies what we've always stood for as an organization, both on and off the field. We appreciate how you've represented our team and the example you've set.

"Change is always difficult, but Michael has made sure that the team is ready to move on. We have a strong group of players with us as we head into this transition year, and we'll have a new leader in place soon who will build on the base Michael has left for us and continue working toward another championship," added DeVos.

Following marks of 8-6 in 2002 and 8-8 in 2003, Trigg departs with a cumulative regular season record of 43-41 with the Rampage.

As a quarterback in the AFL, Trigg played with the Detroit Drive during their back-to-back championship seasons in 1989 and 1990, and in 1989 was the top-rated passer in the league. From 1991-1993, he was the offensive coordinator and director of pro scouting for the AFL's Dallas Texans.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from August 6, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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