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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Rattlers sign Gene Nudo to Contract Extension

May 3, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX - Gene Nudo, the third-ever head coach in Arizona Rattler franchise history, has signed a multi-year contract extension to remain with the team as Senior Vice President of Football Operations and Head Coach, chief operating officer Blake Edwards announced today.

Nudo has worked at various levels of football, including 12 seasons with the Rattlers. He joined Arizona's coaching staff in 1995 as an assistant head coach before becoming a part of the team's front office in 1996 when he was named Vice President of Administration. He would serve as the team's Vice President of Operations for eight seasons and become general manager in 2004. Nudo has been named the AFL's Executive of the Year an unprecedented three times.

In his first season as head coach, Nudo has led the Rattlers to a 7-7 record after the team started the year 1-4.

"Gene Nudo has been a pillar of this franchise for more than a decade," said Edwards. "He has done a phenomenal job this season with his expanded role as Head Coach and we are excited about moving forward with Gene at the helm of our football operation."

"I appreciate Gene's loyalty and commitment through the transition of the last year," said team CEO and Managing Owner Bob Hernreich. "Gene stepped up in a time of need and has done a fabulous job in helping to carry forward the proud tradition of this franchise. I am pleased that our relationship has been solidified for the next several years."

A true pioneer in the AFL, Nudo coached the first-ever Arena Football games in Rockford, Ill. (1986) as well as its "Showcase Game" in Rosemont, Ill. (1987). He became assistant head coach for the AFL's Chicago Bruisers (1987-88), guiding them to a berth in ArenaBowl II in his first season.

Prior to coming to the Rattlers, Nudo spent time as the AFL's Vice President of Football Operations. He was also a long-time member of the league's Board of Directors.

"I am very excited to continue with this organization, as Arizona has become home to my family," said Nudo. "I feel we have set a foundation for future success for the club and I am grateful to Mr. Hernreich and Blake Edwards for their confidence in my leadership."

Nudo, a 1991 inductee in the Minor League Hall of Fame, began his coaching career in 1981, when he was head coach of the River Grove Cowboys of Chicago's Metropolitan Football League. As a head coach, he won five championships in six seasons, including a national championship in 1984. He would later lead Chicago's Driscoll Catholic High School to an undefeated season and a state championship.

A native of Norridge, Ill., Nudo attended Illinois State University majoring in Speech Communications.

He and his wife Mary, who reside in Scottsdale, have three children: Katie, Nicholas, and Jack.

Arizona looks to clinch a playoff berth when they take on the Las Vegas Gladiators at US Airways Center on Friday, May 5. The contest is set to kick off at 7:00 p.m. PST and can be heard live on ESPN 860 AM.

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