Front Office Football Central - View Single Post - Detroit's Dark Knight: The Des Moines Dragons Reborn

revrew · 07-23-2019, 09:06 AM

Dragons Launch Coaching Staff Makeover
Dick Grayson, sports reporter, Des Moines Register

After two losing seasons following the Des Moines Dragons' only SuperBowl appearance, Head Coach Kevin O'Dea has been released.

With the loss of its head coach and previously announced retirement of Defensive Coordinator Andrew Hatchette, it appears as Dragons GM Jack Ledger is going to conduct a wholescale rebuild of the Dragon coaching staff.

Typically, these kinds of announcements are made through press conference, but Dragons GM Jack Ledger has demonstrated a now notorious level of inaccessibility to the press.

When reached for comment, the reclusive team owner and GM replied only that it is "time to shake … things … up."

The 62-year-old O'Dea came to the Dragons after a successful stint as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his first season in Des Moines, O'Dea captained the Dragons to a 9-7 season and their first playoff appearance. In his fourth season, the Dragons finished 11-5 and represented the NFC in the SuperBowl. But after two, consecutive 7-9 seasons and a 44-57 record over 6 years, the coach was let go.

O'Dea has a reputation for building an excellent scouting staff and mentoring young players, so it's likely he'll soon find employment elsewhere in the NFL, should he desire it.

07-23-2019, 09:06 AM	#228
revrew Team Chaplain Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Just outside Des Moines, IA	Dragons Launch Coaching Staff Makeover Dick Grayson, sports reporter, Des Moines Register After two losing seasons following the Des Moines Dragons' only SuperBowl appearance, Head Coach Kevin O'Dea has been released. With the loss of its head coach and previously announced retirement of Defensive Coordinator Andrew Hatchette, it appears as Dragons GM Jack Ledger is going to conduct a wholescale rebuild of the Dragon coaching staff. Typically, these kinds of announcements are made through press conference, but Dragons GM Jack Ledger has demonstrated a now notorious level of inaccessibility to the press. When reached for comment, the reclusive team owner and GM replied only that it is "time to shake … things … up." The 62-year-old O'Dea came to the Dragons after a successful stint as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his first season in Des Moines, O'Dea captained the Dragons to a 9-7 season and their first playoff appearance. In his fourth season, the Dragons finished 11-5 and represented the NFC in the SuperBowl. But after two, consecutive 7-9 seasons and a 44-57 record over 6 years, the coach was let go. O'Dea has a reputation for building an excellent scouting staff and mentoring young players, so it's likely he'll soon find employment elsewhere in the NFL, should he desire it. __________________ Winner of 6 FOFC Scribe Awards, including 3 Gold Scribes Founder of the ZFL, 2004 Golden Scribe Dynasty of the Year Now bringing The Des Moines Dragons back to life, and the joke's on YOU, NFL! I came to the Crossroad. I took it. And that has made all the difference.