Philadelphia Soul promote Dolezel to Head Coach

Tuesday August 21, 2012

 Philadelphia Assistant Takes Over After Record-Setting Season, Conference Title

PHILADELPHIA (August 21, 2012) – The American Conference champion, Philadelphia Soul announce that assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Clint Dolezel has been promoted to head coach for the team, effective immediately. The promotion comes on the heels of Doug Plank announcing his resignation last week after one season in the position and an ArenaBowl XXV appearance.

“I’m excited to stay with the best organization in the Arena Football League,” Dolezel said. “I don’t think there is an organization or city that is more committed to winning a championship than the Soul and the city of Philadelphia. I am proud to be a part of it.”

“Clint is the right person for the job here in Philadelphia,” said Soul general manager Tom Goodhines. “He was a big part of our success this season and with this promotion, we believe we are in position to build a title contender.”

“2012 was an amazing season and we hope that carries over to a championship in the future,” said Soul co-majority owner Ron Jaworski. “The foundation has been set for the Soul to remain a perennial title contender and we are all excited for what is ahead for this franchise.”

Under Dolezel, the Soul offense finished No. 1 in the AFL for scoring (68.2), rushing offense (44.2), and No. 5 in total offense (323.4). Philadelphia was the only team in 2012 to reach 15 regular-season wins, while locking up home-field advantage for American Conference playoffs. With Dolezel calling the offense, the Soul set the League’s all-time mark with 1,228 points scored.

The Soul offensive unit, including: QB Dan Raudabaugh, FB Derrick Ross, and WR Tiger Jones set franchise and League single-season records. Dolezel was previously was the head coach for the Dallas Vigilantes in 2011 and led them to an 11-7 regular season record and a playoff appearance.

Dolezel was recently named to the 2012 AFL Hall of Fame Class and will be inducted during the 2013 Opening Weekend. He is No. 3 in career passing yards (44,564) and No. 2 in touchdown passes (931). Clint is also the first quarterback in AFL history to throw for over 400 yards in a game and first to do it six times. He matched one of the League’s most vaunted then-records by throwing for 11 touchdowns in a game three different times. He threw for over 100 touchdowns in a season twice (2006-07) and led his team to a 15-win season (15-1 in 2007). He also has a championship to his credit when he led the Grand Rapids Rampage to the title in 2001.

ABOUT THE SOUL

The Philadelphia Soul capped their seventh Arena Football League season by capturing the 2012 American Conference championship. For 2013 season tickets, 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. Follow the Soul on Facebook at facebook.com/soul and Twitter at twitter.com/soulfootball.