The OSC Interview: Dallas Desperados assistant coach Deatrich Wise
by Fran Stuchbury
June 4, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Dallas Desperados
OurSports Central contributor Fran Stuchbury recently talked with Dallas Desperados coach Deatrich Wise following the Desperados' 59-56 victory over the Philadelphia Soul. Wise is in his first season as the OL/DL and FB/LB coach for Dallas after playing three seasons in the AFL as an OL/DL for the Tampa Bay Storm. Wise was also a head coach in arenafootball2 for the Norfolk Nighthawks.
FS: Is your job coaching the offensive and defensive lineman easier with free substitution?
DW: Since the substitution rule has changed it's much easier. You can concentrate on offense and defense and make adjustments better because you can see and critique the individual effort on both sides of the ball.
FS: What interested you in working with the Dallas Desperados? Did you have a relationship with Will McClay when he was a player?
DW: We played against each other when he was playing for the Detroit Drive and when I was playing for the Tampa Bay Storm. Then we worked together as assistants for the Grand Rapids Rampage. The position became open, I applied for it and it was a blessing I got the job.
FS: How was your experience being a head coach for the Norfolk Nighthawks of af2?
DW: It was a great experience. I was in the AFL for seven seasons prior to getting that job. It was a good opportunity to give back to the sport for what it has given to me.
FS: Do you wish the AFL had had free substitution back in the days you played in the league? Would it have made your life easier?
DW: It probably would have, but the AFL was very special with the Ironman rule. If you get beat on offense, you can come back and beat him on defense. Overall, I like the rule change.
FS: How do you like coaching one of the best defensive linemen in the league in Colston Weatherington?
DW: I really enjoy him, he is high intensity and he works hard. . Weatherington has also been a great team player, too. I would like to give a shout out to my entire line, the offensive and defensive lineman have been doing a great job.
If you have any questions or comments about this interview feel free to drop me an email at arenazone@yahoo.coma and I will be more than happy to get back to you.
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