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

revrew · 07-24-2019, 01:36 PM

Surprise! Dragons Move Fast on New Coach
Dick Grayson, sports reporter, Des Moines Register

The door was still swinging on former Des Moines Dragons Head Coach Kevin O'Dea's departure when the next head coach stepped in. In a rare press conference held less than two weeks after O'Dea left, Dragon GM Jack Ledger announced former New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels would captain the Dragons.

"Ladies and gentle-men," Ledger said, before pausing at the podium to make his announcement. "Why so serious? Let's put a smile on that face! Allow me to introduce the new head coach of the Des Moines Dragonssssss, Josh McDaniels!"

Ledger then clapped effusively and bowed out of the press conference after only those few words, turning the proceedings over to McDaniels.

Rumors had been swirling about several candidates brought in to interview, but apparently Ledger's interview with McDaniels happened under the radar. His announcement was a complete surprise.

McDaniels, formerly a head coach with the Denver Broncos, has played second fiddle in New England for nearly two decades. Despite attempts by the Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets to sign him as head coach, McDaneils consistently returned to Foxborough. But the Patriots passed over McDaniels for its head coaching position vacancy last season, leading some to wonder if the quarterback "whiz kid" (who's not such a kid anymore) would be available.

No one had to wonder for long.

At the press conference, McDaniels kept the headlines coming, as he announced the remainder of his coaching staff.

Former Patriot O-Line coach Gustavo Hager was announced as the new offensive coordinator. This will be the 50-year-old's first opportunity to call the offensive plays.

McDaniels then announced former NFL cornerback and secondary coach for the Jets, Gino Sanders, would be the Dragons' new defensive coordinator. It will also be his first opportunity in that role.

Finally, O'Dea Assistant Coach Nickolas Troutman, McDaniels announced, would be retaining his role in Des Moines. Some believe Troutman's focused familiarity with Iowa athletes may have been the deciding factor in his return to the Dragons.

Former Dragon Head Coach Kevin O'Dea, meanwhile, may not have far to go to lick his wounds. He was recently interviewed for the offensive coordinator position by the rival Chicago Bears and is believed to be the leading candidate to fill the position.

07-24-2019, 01:36 PM	#229
revrew Team Chaplain Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Just outside Des Moines, IA	Surprise! Dragons Move Fast on New Coach Dick Grayson, sports reporter, Des Moines Register The door was still swinging on former Des Moines Dragons Head Coach Kevin O'Dea's departure when the next head coach stepped in. In a rare press conference held less than two weeks after O'Dea left, Dragon GM Jack Ledger announced former New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels would captain the Dragons. "Ladies and gentle-men," Ledger said, before pausing at the podium to make his announcement. "Why so serious? Let's put a smile on that face! Allow me to introduce the new head coach of the Des Moines Dragonssssss, Josh McDaniels!" Ledger then clapped effusively and bowed out of the press conference after only those few words, turning the proceedings over to McDaniels. Rumors had been swirling about several candidates brought in to interview, but apparently Ledger's interview with McDaniels happened under the radar. His announcement was a complete surprise. McDaniels, formerly a head coach with the Denver Broncos, has played second fiddle in New England for nearly two decades. Despite attempts by the Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets to sign him as head coach, McDaneils consistently returned to Foxborough. But the Patriots passed over McDaniels for its head coaching position vacancy last season, leading some to wonder if the quarterback "whiz kid" (who's not such a kid anymore) would be available. No one had to wonder for long. At the press conference, McDaniels kept the headlines coming, as he announced the remainder of his coaching staff. Former Patriot O-Line coach Gustavo Hager was announced as the new offensive coordinator. This will be the 50-year-old's first opportunity to call the offensive plays. McDaniels then announced former NFL cornerback and secondary coach for the Jets, Gino Sanders, would be the Dragons' new defensive coordinator. It will also be his first opportunity in that role. Finally, O'Dea Assistant Coach Nickolas Troutman, McDaniels announced, would be retaining his role in Des Moines. Some believe Troutman's focused familiarity with Iowa athletes may have been the deciding factor in his return to the Dragons. Former Dragon Head Coach Kevin O'Dea, meanwhile, may not have far to go to lick his wounds. He was recently interviewed for the offensive coordinator position by the rival Chicago Bears and is believed to be the leading candidate to fill the position. __________________ 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.