Wranglers add Non Norris to coaching staff
September 16, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Austin Wranglers News Release
The Austin Wranglers announced the addition of former Dallas Desperados assistant coach Jon Norris as the team's new defensive coordinator and line coach.
"Jon brings a great deal of AFL experience to the Wranglers family," said Assistant General Manager Glyn Milburn. "He has worked with several of the AFL's premier linemen and conveys a winning attitude towards defense."
Norris, a four-year AFL veteran lineman, spent three seasons in Dallas building a solid group of linemen that produced on both sides of the ball. Under Norris' direction last year the Desperados defensive line recorded 19 sacks and 33 tackles for a loss on their opponents. On the offensive side of the ball, the Dallas line anchored a Desperados running game that averaged 3.1 yards per rush in 2004.
Upon the departure of head coach and special teams coordinator Joe Avazzano the week of Dallas' season opener, Norris assumed control of the Dallas special teams unit. With Norris' tutelage, US Army AFL All-Ironman selection, Will Pettis led the Desperado special teams efforts by returning a 2004 AFL-high 88 kickoffs for a league-leading 1,750 yards and four touchdowns, second most in the league in 2004.
While in Dallas, Norris coached lineman Tom Briggs in his 2003 Lineman of the Year campaign as Dallas finished the season second in the league with 27 sacks and ninth with 16 sacks allowed. Offensively, Norris' 2003 group contributed to a unit that led the league in total offense (300.4 yards-per-game).
With most of his linemen making their AFL debuts in 2002, Norris spent his first season in Dallas teaching the intricacies of Arena Football line play and helping young players adjust to life on both sides of the ball. His 2002 Desperados linemen improved each week to help the team make the playoffs.
Prior to his time in Dallas, Norris served as the AFL's Oklahoma Wranglers assistant head coach and offensive and defensive line coach for the 2001 season. He helped lead a defense that finished third in the league with 21 sacks. In the 2000 af2 season, Norris was head coach and director of football operations for the Tulsa Talons leading the first-year team to a playoff berth.
Norris landed a head coaching position at Panhandle State University (1997-99) in Goodwell, OK before venturing back to Arena Football. He led the first-year NCAA Division II school to its first victories over NCAA Division I-AA and Division II opponents.
While earning a Masters degree in Health Physical Education and Recreation Norris was the defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Adams State College (1993-96) in Alamosa, CO. During the 1995 Adams State offseason, Norris coached the offensive and defensive lines, fullbacks, linebackers and special teams for the AFL's Connecticut Coyotes. He made his AFL coaching debut with the Las Vegas Sting in 1994, working with the offensive and defensive lines, fullbacks, linebackers and as the special teams coordinator.
Before entering the coaching ranks, Norris enjoyed a four-year playing career in the Arena Football League. He was an offensive and defensive lineman with the Denver Dynamite (1987, 1990-1991), who won the first league championship in 1987, and the Sacramento Attack (1992).
Austin Wranglers season tickets are now available to purchase or renew. To reserve seats or inquire about corporate partnerships for the 2005 season, call 512. 233.7800.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from September 16, 2004
- Rattlers To Hold Open Tryouts October 17th and 18th - Arizona Rattlers
- Wranglers add Non Norris to coaching staff - Austin Wranglers
- Rampage Name Michael Baker Offensive Coordinator/Youth Development Director - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Desperados Drafted for U.S. Army Boot Camp - Dallas Desperados
- L.A. Avengers protect 16 from AFL's expansion draft - Los Angeles Avengers
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