VooDoo adds Gary Gussman to coaching staff
Published on October 24, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
In adding to his coaching staff for the upcoming 2007 season, New Orleans VooDoo Coach Mike Neu has announced the hiring of Special Teams Coordinator Gary Gussman.
Gussman comes to the VooDoo after having spent the past two seasons as the Special Teams Coach and Director of Football Operations of the Las Vegas Gladiators. Under his tutelage in 2006, Gussman's improved units finished second in the league in kickoff coverage (14.8), and third in kickoff return average (19.2) and missed field goal return average (22.7). In 2005, his units finished fourth in field goal percentage (53.8%) and opponent field goal percentage (40.0%).
A 10-year coaching veteran, Gussman came to the Gladiators after spending the 2004 season as the Head Coach of the af2 Rio Grande Dorados. Prior to his that stint, he served six seasons as an AFL assistant. Gussman began his coaching career as the special teams coordinator of the Connecticut Coyotes in 1995 and spent 1998-2001 as the special teams coordinator with the Houston Thunderbears, also assisting the team in player personnel.
Gussman was a four-year Arena Football League playing veteran, kicking for the Denver Dynamite and Albany Firebirds. He earned First Team All-Arena honors following his rookie season and was a Second Team All-Arena member in 1990, leading the league in field goals made. Gussman was a four-year letterman at Miami (Ohio) and made 68-of-94 field goal attempts in his college career.
"Gary is an outstanding coach who we are excited to be able to add to our staff," said Neu. "He has an outstanding knowledge of the area of special teams in the Arena Football League. We are excited to have him work with our units in New Orleans."
With the addition of Gussman, the VooDoo coaching staff now includes Neu, Defensive Coordinator Jeff Russell, Line Coach Junior Ili and Strength & Conditioning Coach Adam Bailey.
New Orleans VooDoo season tickets are now available for the 2007 campaign. For additional information, please call (504) 731-1700.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 24, 2006
- Gladiators add four NFL veterans - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Gladiators Goddesses join Las Vegas celebrities to host food drive - Las Vegas Gladiators
- VooDoo adds Gary Gussman to coaching staff - New Orleans VooDoo
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