Sauk Named Assistant Coach of the Year
Published on August 9, 2011 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze are pleased to announce that Offensive Coordinator Matthew Sauk has been named the NFL Network's Assistant Coach of the Year by the Arena Football League.
"I would like to thank the Utah Blaze and Ron James for bringing me into their family and trusting me to get the job done. Our Director of Personnel Karl Bates must also be noted for his hard work in bringing in quality talent who can succeed in the AFL." said Offensive Coordinator Matthew Sauk. "I hope that this helps the Blaze move forward in getting the word out to future players that this is a great organization and we are back!"
Sauk helped guide the Blaze to a franchise-best 9-9 record and led one of the top-rated offenses in the AFL. Under his tutelage, the Blaze became the League's number one passing offense, totaling 5,422-yards and 128 touchdowns on the season. The Blaze offense also ranked third in scoring (60.1 points per game), touchdowns scored (159), and total offense (5,727 yards). His latest protégé, QB Tommy Grady (6-7, 245, Utah), threw for 4,368 yards and 107 touchdowns in his first season with the Blaze. Grady finished third in the League in passing average per game (291.2), fourth in efficiency (119.1), and sixth in completion percentage (65.9). Utah was also the first team in the history of the AFL to have four receivers attain at least 1,000+ receiving yards in the regular season.
"I could not think of a more deserving Assistant Coach of the Year recipient than Coach Sauk. His work ethic and dedication to the game of Arena Football was evident throughout the course of the 2011 season," said Head Coach Ron James. "Our offense ranked among the best in the AFL in nearly every category all year long and it takes a good coach, a strong group of players and hard work to make that happen."
Sauk joined the Blaze after aiding the Spokane Shock to their Arena Bowl XXIII victory over the Tampa Bay Storm in 2010. The Shock offense in ArenaBowl XXIII tied or broke several records including points scored (69), passing touchdowns (9), touchdowns responsible (10), passer rating (135.0). Sauk set multiple records collegiately while attending Utah State from 1996 to 1997. He still ranks in the top five for passing yards in a career and season. Sauk also went 2-0 against in state rival, Utah Utes, and was the first time since 1976 an Aggie quarterback had accomplished such a feat.
Blaze OL Jason Boone (6-5, 300, Utah) was also a contender for the 2011 Spalding Offensive Lineman of the Year award.
Arena Football League Stories from August 9, 2011
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- Sauk Named Assistant Coach of the Year - Utah Blaze
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