Storm Continues to Build Coaching Staff

Published on October 26, 2015 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release

Tampa Bay Storm Offensive Assistant Coach Shane Stafford in Playing Days
(Tampa Bay Storm, Credit: Chris Arnold/Tampa Bay Storm)

"I am pleased to announce the addition of Dean Cokinos and Shane Stafford to our coaching staff," said Storm President Derrick Brooks. "With Lawrence, Dean and Shane we have added close to 40 years of Arena Football League experience on the sidelines. We believe that we have started to form a staff that will help make us contenders heading into 2016."

"As a team we felt the need to head in a different direction in terms of coaching staff," said Storm head coach Lawrence Samuels. "We have added several years of AFL experience that will only benefit us during the season. I can say that we cannot wait to get back on the sidelines this year and give the Storm fans a team that can contend every weekend."

Cokinos enters his eighth season in the Arena Football League and first on the Storm's coaching staff. He most recently served as the head coach of the New Orleans VooDoo. Cokinos began his AFL career with the Nashville Kats in 2005 where he served as the team's assistant head coach, offensive coordinator and Director of Player Personnel. In 2010 he was named the head coach of the Alabama Vipers, a team that would relocate to Georgia and become the Force. Cokinos spent three seasons with the Force franchise, leading the team to the AFL playoffs in 2011 and 2012.

"I am excited about the opportunity to join the Tampa Bay Storm organization," said Cokinos. "Over the years they have proven to be the model for operating an Arena Football League franchise. I am really looking forward to working with Derrick, Lawrence and the entire staff to help develop the product on the field."

Prior to joining the Alabama Vipers, Cokinos was the head coach of the Tennessee Valley Vipers of the af2. In two seasons, he would post a 21-11 record as the Vipers head coach, leading the team to an ArenaCup Championship versus the Spokane Shock in 2008.

Cokinos joins the Storm as the team's assistant head coach and defensive coordinator.

Stafford returns to the team he began his AFL career with in 2001. The Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania native joins the Storm as an offensive assistant coach, helping Samuels develop the quarterbacks and receivers. Stafford is an eight-year veteran of the AFL as both a player and a coach. He played five seasons with the Storm, finishing his career as the team's all-time leader in pass completions (1,357), pass attempts (2,143), passing yardage (15,667) and passing touchdowns (289).

"I'm excited to be back in the blue and gold here in Tampa," said Stafford. "I am looking forward to the opportunity and will help this organization in any way that I can."

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm is entering its 29th season in the Arena Football League. For more specific details regarding single-game pricing and availability, please contact the Storm ticket office at 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting TampaBayStorm.com or by calling 813.301.6600. For group sales fans can contact 813.301.6900. Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.

Tampa Bay Storm Assistant Head Coach Dean Cokinos (New Orleans VooDoo)

Tampa Bay Storm Offensive Assistant Coach Shane Stafford in Playing Days (Chris Arnold/Tampa Bay Storm)

Arena Football League Stories from October 26, 2015

• Storm Continues to Build Coaching Staff - Tampa Bay Storm

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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