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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Rattlers sign Mike Church to contract extension

August 1, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX - Mike Church, a veteran coach with seven seasons of Arena Football League experience, has signed a contract extension and will remain with the Arizona Rattlers through the 2007 season, head coach/general manager Gene Nudo announced today.

Church, whose coaching career has spanned more than 20 years at various levels of football, will continue to serve as the defensive coordinator of the Rattlers.

In his first year with the franchise last season, Church led a Rattler defense that was ranked third in the league in total yards allowed (269.4/gm) and fourth in passing yards allowed (248.9/gm).

"We are excited to have Mike back," said Nudo, who led the Rattlers to the conference semifinals last season in his first year as head coach. "Our defense was consistent throughout the season, and most importantly, he has the respect of the players he coaches."

Prior to joining the Rattlers, Church was defensive coordinator of the AFL's San Jose SaberCats for four seasons after returning to the team from a brief stretch with the XFL's San Francisco Demons in 2001.

During his four seasons as the SaberCat defensive coordinator, Church's defensive units topped the league in interceptions and interceptions returned for touchdowns for two consecutive seasons (2003-04). In 2002, the SaberCat defense led the AFL in pass defense rating and turnover margin while placing in the top five in five other defensive statistical categories, helping San Jose win their first ArenaBowl Championship. San Jose earned another ArenaBowl title in 2004 while boasting a defense rating mark of 98.7, becoming the only team in the AFL to have a sub-100 rating in three consecutive seasons (2002-04).

"Last season we made progress, so I feel good about where we are," Church said. "This is one of the best organizations in the league and we would like to return to that greatness on the field."

Before his first tenure with San Jose, Church was an assistant with the AFL's Portland Forest Dragons for two seasons (1997-98). In 1999, he left the AFL to become an assistant coach at DeAnza Junior College. Church also served as defensive coordinator for San Jose State and served as a linebackers coach at Cal-Berkeley prior to getting involved in arena football.

A graduate of Cal Poly (San Luis Obispo), Church started his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 1973 under first-year head coach Tom Osborne. He resides in Los Gatos, Calif. with his wife Anh-DAO and son Kol.

Rattler season tickets for the 2007 campaign are now on sale and can be purchased by calling 602-514-TDTD or online at www.azrattlers.com.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from August 1, 2006


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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