The OSC interview: Las Vegas Gladiators GM Dan Dolby
by Fran Stuchbury
September 6, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Detroit Drive
OurSports Central correspondent Fran Stuchbury had the opportunity to speak with Las Vegas Gladiators General Manager Dan Dolby at the ArenaCup in Bossier City, Louisiana. Dolby is entering his second year with the team. He previously spent 15 years working for Pepsi in various departments, last as a development manager in Southern California for three years.
Fran Stuchbury: Are you happy with the progress of the Gladiators the past couple of seasons in Vegas?
Dan Dolby: I am, but were working to get better. That's the beauty of this game is, every year if your winning or losing your trying to get better. We had a good off-season, made some coaching changes, made some personnel changes; I'm pleased where we are at.
FS: Do you like the addition of Mike Hold as the Gladiators new offensive coordinator?
DD: Mike is going be the key to our success this year. It will let head coach Ron James focus on the defensive side of the ball. With the new rule change, we had Clint last year as the offensive coordinator. The league has passed a rule stating that a player can't be in dual roles as a coach. Bringing in Mike was the right thing for us to do. I'm really pleased with his game plan.
FS: Obviously offensive specialist Marcus Nash is the cornerstone of the franchise. Anybody that is throwing to him will make them a good quarterback.
DD: That's exactly right, we have talked a lot with Marcus with what his role is going be this upcoming season, whether QB Clint Dolezel is with us or not. He is ready to take on that leadership role and be the guy that is the cornerstone of our franchise.
FS: What type of marketing has the Gladiators tried to try to get the fans in Vegas to attend games?
DD: It's not real easy in Vegas, with a lot of transition with the city - a lot of people moving in, a lot of people moving out. One of the biggest keys is to win. We have to put a better product on the field, as we have gone 8-8 the past couple of seasons.
FS: Did you feel having ArenaBowl XIX at Las Vegas would improve the team's attendance?
DD: Absolutely, anytime you can get some positive press in the Las Vegas papers and in the media, people see it. The problem in Las Vegas is there have been fourteen failed sports franchises over the past fifteen years. With us being there going into our fourth year, I think people are starting to believe in the product.
FS: Are you optimistic about the Gladiators future in Las Vegas for years to come or is this another franchise that is going move on?
DD: Nope, the ownership is committed, I'm committed, and the coaching staff and players are committed to making this thing work. With the ArenaBowl quite possibly coming back for the next couple of years, the city is committed and I think you will see us there for a long time.
If you have any questions or comments about this interview feel free to drop me an email at arenazone@yahoo.com and I will be more than happy to get back to you.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from September 6, 2005
- The OSC interview: Las Vegas Gladiators GM Dan Dolby - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- The OSC interview: Las Vegas Gladiators GM Dan Dolby - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- The OSC interview: Las Vegas Gladiators GM Dan Dolby - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
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