Storm working hard to fill coaching vacancies

Joe Kauffman
Friday February 18, 2011

With the departure of general manager and head coach Tim Marcum just two days before the scheduled start of training camp, the Tampa Bay Storm are working hard to fill coaching vacancies left by his absence.

Longtime assistant coach Dave Ewart has moved into the role of head coach, but openings still remain for coordinators and position coaches. Team spokesman Jim Robinson said the team is actively pursuing qualified candidates to fill the vacancies, and they hope to have all positions filled within the next few days.

Sources close to the team have said that former journeyman quarterback John Kaleo is in talks to become the new offensive coordinator, and that former Storm player Nyle Wiren is also in negotiations. The sources also mentioned that a former NFL player will also be joining the coaching staff.

Kaleo played 14 years in the Arena Football League, including five seasons with the Storm. He was the starting quarterback in 2003 when the team won ArenaBowl XVII.

Wiren played 11 seasons in the AFL from 1998 to 2008, all with the Storm. He was a utility player who spent time at both fullback/linebacker and as a lineman. He was also a member of the Storm's 2003 championship team.

Due to the turmoil surrounding Coach Marcum's departure and the need to assemble the coaching staff, the first day of training camp has been postponed by a day from Saturday to Sunday. Sunday's schedule includes two morning practices, followed by a break for lunch and then film and classroom sessions. The first three days will be helmets only. Robinson stated that at least 30 players have reported for training camp, and that there were no player issues involved with the late coaching change.