Stingley Named Head Coach of Knights
May 13, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Macon Knights News Release
MACON, Ga. â The Macon Knights announced at a press conference today that Derek Stingley has been named head coach. Edmund Olson made the announcement today at SportsTowne which named Stingley the third head coach in the Knights five-year history.
"We are very excited to have Derek as our head coach," said Olson. "He has shown tremendous leadership and the players have the utmost respect for him. We look forward to seeing great things out of the Macon Knights with Derek as our head coach."
Stingley joined the Knights just before the 2005 season as the team's defensive coordinator. Stingley, an eight year veteran of the Arena Football League, retired from his playing days after the 2004 season and assumed his first coaching position with the Knights.
"I'd like to thank the Olson family for this opportunity," said Stingley. "I want to bring the Knights back to their winning tradition. We've got 10 games left and we've got to look at it like a 10 game season. I plan to win all 10 of those games...and will accept nothing less."
As a player, Stingley enjoyed an impressive career, which garnered him several accolades including an ArenaBowl Championship ring with the Albany Firebirds in 1999 and First Team All-AFL honors that same year. He was named the AFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 1999. Stingley also ranks ninth on the AFL's all-time leading tacklers list (443.5) and ranks fifth on the AFL's all time list with 110 pass breakups.
In addition to his professional football career, Stingley also played collegiate and professional baseball. He was drafted into the Philadelphia Phillies organization after an impressive career at Purdue as a center fielder. Stingley played in the Phillies organization from 1993-1995.
Dave Poinsett, line coach, will remain with the team and continue his responsibilities. Robert Hall has been named the offensive coordinator. Hall retired from the AFL as a player in 2004 and most recently served with the Rio Grande Valley Dorados of af2 as a position coach. Hall was a teammate of Stingley with the Dallas Desperados (2004) and the Carolina Cobras (2003).
The Knights have 10 games remaining and will be back in action, following a bye this week, on Saturday, May 21st as they travel to Tulsa to face the Talons. The Knights will be back at home on Saturday, May 28th to host the Arkansas Twisters. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call the Macon Knights Ticket Office at (478) 314-3000 or visit www.MaconKnights.com.
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