Todd Shell Named Rattlers Head Coach
August 5, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
Phoenix, AZ - The Arizona Rattlers announced today that Todd Shell has been named the second Head Coach in franchise history, replacing Danny White. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Shell spent the previous two seasons as Head Coach of the New York Dragons, winning the 2003 AFL Coach of the Year Award.
Shell began his AFL career as the Rattlers first Defensive Coordinator, overseeing the defense for three years. In his final year as the Rattlers Defensive Coordinator, Arizona won the 1994 ArenaBowl Title.
"It's great that we can bring an original member of the Rattler family back home," said Vice President of Operations Gene Nudo. "Todd did an outstanding job in New York, and we have no doubts that his success will carry over to Arizona."
Shell left Arizona after the 1994 ArenaBowl to become the first Head Coach of the San Jose SaberCats. He spent four seasons in San Jose, accumulating a record of 29-25. In his first season with the SaberCats, San Jose won the Western Division title, becoming the first expansion team to ever earn a Division Championship. In his four years in San Jose, Shell led the SaberCats to three playoff appearances.
"I am excited to return to the place where I began my coaching career," said Shell. "I was a part of the Rattlers first championship in 1994, and I look forward to continuing that tradition in Arizona."
In 2003, Shell returned to the AFL sidelines, taking over the New York Dragons in Week 5. New York started the season 0-4 under John Gregory, but finished the season with an 8-8 mark and an Easter Division title. Shell earned his first career playoff victory, as his Dragons completed a come-from-behind win over the Chicago Rush in the Wild Card Round of the 2003 playoffs.
Shell came to the Dragons after having spent the first part of the season as the Color Analyst on Rattlers Television broadcasts.
In his six seasons as an AFL Head Coach, Shell has accumulated a career mark of 47-40, including four playoff appearances.
"We are extremely happy to have Todd Shell as a part of our organization - he was certainly at the top of our list of coaching candidates," said Rattler President Jim Pitman. "When we sat down to make our short list of coaching replacements, Todd was at the top of that list and we are thrilled to have him back within the Rattler organization."
Shell was a highly decorated linebacker at Brigham Young University, where he starred for the Cougars from 1981 to 1983. Shell led BYU to three straight Western Athletic Conference titles, leading the team in tackles his Junior and Senior years. Shell finished his Cougar career with 205 tackles and 22 quarterback sacks.
After his stellar college career, the San Francisco 49ers made him their First Round Draft Pick in the 1984 NFL draft. In his first season with the Niners, Shell earned a Super Bowl Ring as San Francisco defeated the Miami Dolphins 38-16. Shell would add another Super Bowl ring following the 49ers win in Super Bowl XXIII.
"Todd is a great competitor whom we all know really well. He is one of the main reasons why I stayed in Arizona after my first year when I had opportunities to play elsewhere," said Rattlers veteran quarterback Sherdrick Bonner. "He really let's guys play their game but he is very tenacious and demanding on the defensive end."
The Arizona Rattlers will kick off their 14th season in February 2005. Season tickets and group tickets are on sale now an can be purchased by calling 602-514-TDTD or by logging to www.AZRattlers.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from August 5, 2004
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