Soul fill out coaching staff with ex AFL vets
September 13, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA - Jim Kubiak and Pat Downey, both former veterans of the Arena Football League, have been named Offensive Coordinator and Offensive/Defensive Line Coach, respectively, for the Philadelphia Soul. The Soul also named John Kirk the team's Special Teams and Fullback/Linebackers Coach.
Kubiak is in his first year of retirement after a record-setting career as a quarterback in the AFL. Downey, also recently retired, comes from the Colorado Crush where he was an offensive lineman/defensive lineman. This will be the first coaching position for both men. Kirk comes to Philadelphia after five years as an assistant with the Tennessee Valley Vipers of the arenafootball2 league.
"I am very excited to add these three coaches to my staff," Soul head coach Bret Munsey said, one month after earning Philadelphia's head job. "Jim Kubiak and Pat Downey were both great Arena Football players who know the game inside and out, and John Kirk has been a very successful coach at the af2 level."
Kubiak arrives in Philadelphia following a 2005 stint with the Georgia Force, where he ended his playing career after a knee injury. However, in his 2003 season, Kubiak had one of the greatest AFL seasons in history. He threw for 97 touchdowns and only 17 interceptions - each career highs - while directing the top-ranked offense in the League. Kubiak earned 2nd team All-Arena honors following the 2003 season.
Kubiak attended the Naval Academy where he set 22 school records as a three-year starter, including all-time passing yards and all-time completions. After college, Kubiak attended several NFL camps but could not play because of his commitment to the United States Navy. He currently resides in Buffalo, NY with his wife, Jennifer, and daughters, Abby and Anna.
Downey participated in two ArenaBowls in 2000 and 2001 as a starter at center for the Nashville Kats. He then went on to start at center for the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe as well. Downey spent a season with the Atlanta Falcons and was on the 53-man roster for the Washington Redskins in 2002. He also spent the 2002 preseason with the New England Patriots and the 1998 preseason with the San Diego Chargers.
Downey attended the University of New Hampshire where he was a four-year starter. As a senior, Pat was the team captain, First-team All-Atlantic 10, First-team All-East and All-New England. He currently lives in Swampscott, MA with his wife, Andrea. The couple has an 18-month-old son, Jackson, and is expecting a second child in October of this year.
Kirk spent 2000-2005 as a member of Tennessee Valley's (af2) coaching staff where he most recently served as the team's Assistant Head Coach. Kirk is a graduate of the University of Alabama and - along with his wife, Judy - has two children, Johnny and Suzanne.
Season tickets for the Soul's 2006 season are on sale now. Call (888)
PHIL-AFL or log on to www.philadelphiasoul.com
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