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Weylan Harding accepts job in New York

August 16, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


COLUMBUS, OH – The Arena Football League's Columbus Destroyers announced today that Defensive Coordinator Weylan Harding has been named Head Coach of the New York Dragons, effectively ending his four-year stint on the Destroyers coaching staff. Harding becomes the third head coach in Dragons history.

Harding spent six seasons as a defensive specialist in the AFL before beginning his coaching career with the Buffalo Destroyers in 2000. He signed with the Destroyers prior to the 2000 season, however was injured in week five. Harding spent the remainder of the season on injured reserve but was offered a chance to coach the secondary.

The following season, Harding was named defensive backs coach for the af2's Rochester Brigade before returning to Buffalo as the team's defensive coordinator in 2002. Under Harding, the Destroyers' defense finished the 2002 season seventh in the AFL in pass defense (251.0 ypg), eighth in total defense (267.6 ypg) and ninth in scoring defense (48.2 ppg).

In 2003, Harding's defensive unit finished the season as the top-ranked pass defense in the league, giving up just 219.1 yards per game. His defense also finished second in total defense (238.5 ypg), fourth in scoring defense (46.9 ppg) and fourth in team interceptions (21).

Harding was the only coach retained from Buffalo, moving with the franchise to Columbus in 2004 where he helped lead the Destroyers to a 6-10 record during their inaugural season.

Harding's playing career included stints with Iowa (1995-96), Nashville (1997-98), Portland (1999) and Buffalo (2000). Following his career on the field, Harding quickly gained a reputation as one of the top defensive teachers in the league, brining his tremendous intensity and on-field experience to many young players entering the league.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from August 16, 2004


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