Ray Bentley named Destroyers new coach

by AFL Press Release
May 8, 2000 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)

AFL Press Release

The Buffalo Destroyers knew a change was eminent after starting the 2000 AFL season 0-4, and today that change was announced as Dave Whinham was relieved as Head Coach and General Manager. Last season the Destroyers went 1-13 with their only victory coming in week thirteen versus the Portland Forest Dragons. Former Buffalo Bills linebacker Ray Bentley will lead the Destroyers.

"It is with great regret that I have reached the determination to remove Dave Whinham, a friend, of his responsibilities as Head Coach and General Manager of the Buffalo Destroyers.", said team Chairman, Owner, and CEO Mark Hamister. "The sophisticated fans of Buffalo and Western New York demand a wining tradition for its sports teams, and in our one and a quarter seasons we were unable to obtain that objective."

Whinham, a quarter through of his second year as Buffalo's skipper, participated in the team's installation into the league and the Western New York area. "As an organization that understands its responsibilities to its fans," commented Hamister, "we were left with no other choice but to change our direction and set a new course for the Buffalo Destroyers. We all wish Dave Whinham and his family nothing but the best in the future."

Hamister unveiled the future of the Destroyers, namely the appointment of former USFL and NFL linebacker Ray Bentley to be the team's new Head Coach and General Manager. Bentley will step out of his announcer's booth at FOX and the Empire Sports Network to take his first coaching job in professional football.

"I am extremely excited to be here and be a part of the Buffalo Destroyers," said Bentley, "The last time I came to Buffalo I joined the Bills and we were able to turn things around there and get to some SuperBowls; I anticipate history repeating itself."

Bentley also acquired the talents of five-year AFL veteran Tony Kimbrough as the teams' new Offensive Coordinator. Kimbrough played quarterback with three other AFL teams, the Charlotte Rage, San Jose SaberCats, and took snaps for the Destroyers in the 1999 season. Defensive Coordinator and Director of Player Personnel Mike Denbrock was named Assistant Head Coach and will remain calling the shots for the defense. Assistant Coach Kevin Wolfolk will aid Bentley with special teams.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 8, 2000

• Ray Bentley named Destroyers new coach - OSC Original by AFL Press Release

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