Simpson Named Head Coach Of The Lincoln Capitols
February 24, 2006 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Lincoln Capitols News Release
Lincoln, NE - With 19 years experience as a player and coach, from NCAA Division I through the Professional ranks, Chris Simpson will guide the 2006 Lincoln Capitols as Head Football Coach and Director of Football Operations. Simpson has a proven success record in the development and building of new franchises, as well as developing successful teams and coaching staffs.
Simpson's experience will be instrumental in organizing a championship caliber team for the Capitols' 2006 season. "I look forward to the challenges ahead of me and the organization, Coach Simpson stated. "We have an opportunity to turn this franchise in the right direction and we will take advantage of those opportunities."
Along with his duties as head coach, Simpson will also serve as Director of Player Personnel this season. He will have the final say in all football-related moves, including personnel decisions and operations.
Simpson is a graduate of Orofino High School in Orofino, Idaho where he earned First Team All American, All State and All Conference Honors at Defensive Back. These accolades allowed him to further his football career when he played at University of Arizona for the next four years. After his collegiate career, Simpson signed as a free-agent Defensive Back for the Dallas Cowboys. Once his stint with the Cowboys was over, Simpson entered the realms of coaching. Simpson coached at the High School Level for six (6) years before branching out to the professional ranks coaching and assuming General Manager/Offensive Coordinator responsibilities for River City Gamblers of Sacramento, CA (1992, 10-4) (1993, 11-3). Simpson expanded his experience by taking a position in the Canadian Football League (CFL) as an Offensive Coach with the Sacramento Goldminers and in the Arena Football League (AFL) with the San Jose Saber Cats as Coach of Running Backs/Linebackers. Chris also assisted the Sabercats in regional scouting and tryout camps.
With a growing family, Simpson left football for 6 years to work a "normal" job. However, never happy to be away from football, Simpson returned to coaching with the Tucson Thunder in 2003. After one season as Player/Head Coach of the Thunder, Simpson stepped into yet another level of football management. Simpson added the title "owner" to his resume when he started the Tucson Monsoon. As Head Coach, General Manager and Owner of the Monsoon, Simpson led the Monsoon to the Second Round of the AzFL playoffs. The Monsoon were the first team in 13 years to make it to any level of the playoffs in their first year of existence. The Monsoon also garnered more team and individual awards in the AzFL than any other team.
When a position became available in the NIFL with the San Angelo Stampede, Simpson jumped at the chance. With two (2) weeks to put the team together before their first game, and the first five (5) games being road trips, Simpson worked tirelessly to field a quality team. The Stampede ended their season 3-11, much to Simpson's disappointment. When the opportunity became available with the Lincoln Capitols, Simpson once again, threw his hat into the "arena".
The opportunity to have "full control" over football operations, player personnel decisions was more than Simpson could pass up. After the disappointing 2005 season, Simpson has much to prove and looks forward to once again re-establishing his winning record. Simpson's career coaching record is 68-35 (.660).
Simpson recently served as Co-Host of Shoot the Bull with the San Angelo Stampede. The Coach's show was aired on FOX KIDY10. The show offered insights into the team, coaches, owners and game analysis. This was in addition to his weekly radio shows assessing each week's game. Simpson is the father of two children, Mallory and Nick, and will reside in Lincoln.
"Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment," Simpson added with a smile. "But, I like the challenge. The organization and the players are looking forward to a fresh, new start, in the right direction."
The Capitols open their season at Rapid City March 19. Their first home will be against the same Rapid City team March 24 at the Pershing Center.
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National Indoor Football League Stories from February 24, 2006
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- Simpson Named Head Coach Of The Lincoln Capitols - Lincoln Capitols
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