Senior Team Announce Coaching Changes

This year sees many coaching changes at the Phoenix, along with the appointment of new head coach Graham Kelly; two new coordinators have been brought to the helm.

Andrew Sweeney, last year’s QBs coach has taken on the role of offensive coordinator. Before coaching at Tamworth coach Sweeney coached at Loughborough for over 15 years becoming the most successful head coach in University football history and also the first to reach 100 wins. Needless to say he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to a young Tamworth staff.

Justin Smith, new to the team, has been brought in as the new defensive coordinator. Currently head coach of the Nottingham Outlaws coach Smith has had a long affinity with midlands football and was defensive coordinator of Nottingham when they won their first divisional championship in 2002. Following this he was asked to be DC for the GB Bulldogs in 2006 on their trip to America.

As well as bringing in two vastly experienced coordinators, the Phoenix have managed to secure the coaching talents of Pete Buckley, Offensive Line, Joe Walker, Running Backs and Adrian Scorey, Defensive Line. All fantastic coaches who all have coordinator experience at various university teams.

Whilst still looking for new coaches and GAs to develop the programme even further, coach Kelly is more than satisfied that with the new coaches on board and the coaches already in place, James Hossack, Wide Receivers, Tom Wasley, GA and Martin Hilton, Defensive Backs, the ‘Nix can evolve even further in the year ahead.