PHILADELPHIA (October 1, 2011) – The Philadelphia Soul announce former longtime Arena Football League veteran, Clint Dolezel, as the team’s assistant head coach and offensive coordinator for the 2012 season.  Dolezel served the role as head coach for the Dallas Vigilantes during the 2011 season.

 

“Dolezel is regarded as one of the most innovative offensive minds in the Arena Football League,” said Soul general manager Tom Goodhines.  “His offenses are known to be amongst the most lethal and most well-prepared offensive units in the league.  Paired with Doug Plank, this will be the best coaching staff in the AFL.”

 

Dolezel, who enters his 14th season in the AFL, spent the previous 12 seasons cementing his legacy in AFL record books as a star quarterback. Besides leading the Grand Rapids Rampage to the XV ArenaBowl Championship, Dolezel holds many accolades to his name.  He comes to the Soul with many years of offensive knowledge, leadership, and a passion for winning.

 

“One of the reasons why we went after Clint was because we have so much respect for his offense and the competitiveness that his teams brought to the field,” said Soul head coach Doug Plank.  “The addition of Clint to this organization means that we just took a major step toward bringing the championship back to Philadelphia.”

 

“I am very excited about this opportunity with the Philadelphia Soul,” said Dolezel. “The weapons are already here in place and I look forward to working with Tom (Goodhines), Coach Plank and the entire coaching staff to put the best product out on the field and win a championship.”

 

Dolezel began his career in the AFL in 1995 when he was signed by the Milwaukee Mustangs (1995-97).  He also played for the Texas Terror (1997), Houston ThunderBears (1998-99), Grand Rapids Rampage (2001-03) and led the team to the XV ArenaBowl Championship.  He was later signed by the Las Vegas Gladiators (2004-05) before ending his playing career with the Dallas Desperados (2006-08).

 

During his tenure with the Desperados, Dolezel became just the third quarterback in AFL history to throw for 700 touchdown passes in 2006.  He then surpassed that mark in 2007 throwing for 800 touchdown passes, and once again surpassing that mark in 2008, when he threw for his 900^th career touchdown pass.

 

After his professional playing career, Dolezel became involved with coaching. He was announced as the offensive coordinator for Florida Firecats of the af2 in 2009. Dolezel was then named head coach for the Dallas Vigilantes during the 2011 season.

 

Before he began his professional playing career, Dolezel played at Cisco Junior College where he was a letterman in football and received second team All-Conference as a sophomore.  Dolezel then continued his collegiate career at East Texas State University and was a letterman in football and golf.

 

The Philadelphia Soul enter their seventh season in the Arena Football League in 2012 and were ArenaBowl XXII champions.  Soul 2012 season ticket packages are now on sale!  Contact the Soul sales department at (215) 253-4900 ext. 3, or request contact from a representative by filling out the form on www.philadelphiasoul.com/">www.philadelphiasoul.com.  Follow the Soul on Facebook at facebook.com/soul and Twitter attwitter.com/soulfootball.  The Philadelphia Soul are presented by Frederick’s Chevrolet on the Blvd.