Hollis Thomas joins Soul coaching staff

Thursday February 21, 2013

Chris McKinney, Steve Criswell and Don Malloy New Additions for Coaching

PHILADELPHIA (February 21, 2013) – The 2012 American Conference Champion Philadelphia Soul, presented by Parx Casino, name former Philadelphia Eagle and 14-year NFL defensive tackle, Hollis Thomas, to the coaching staff as an assistant line coach for the 2013 season. Along with Thomas, Chris McKinney, Steve Criswell and Don Malloy join the coaching staff as assistant coaches to complete the Soul staff for the 2013 season.

“I am excited about this year’s staff,” said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel. “Each one of our coaches has a strong football background and will bring a wealth of knowledge that will get us closer to winning a championship.”

Thomas, starting his first stint of coaching experience, played 10 seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles where he is third in Eagles History for games played as a defensive lineman (124). He played three seasons for the New Orleans Saints, and the 2009 season between the St. Louis Rams and Carolina Panthers during his tenure in the NFL. Thomas, who played football at Northern Illinois, finished his career with 512 combined tackles and 20 sacks.

McKinney, from Guilford College, begins the start to his first coaching experience at the AFL level. On his resume, McKinney spent the 2012-13 season as an offensive coordinator with the Georgia Rampage (UIFL). Prior to that, McKinney spent seven seasons as a wide receiver coach at the high school level.

As a player, McKinney played wide receiver and kick returner in the af2 and AFL leagues. McKinney finished No.7 for all-time career touchdowns (171) with the af2, and in college with four All-Conference awards and three All-American selections.

Criswell joins the Soul coaching staff with over 25 years of coaching experience at both the high school and indoor levels. As a member of the coaching staff with indoor leagues, Criswell’s team’s record stands at 109-35; qualifying eight out of nine seasons for the post season. In 2010, Criswell was named head coach for the Richmond Revolution (IFL) finishing 13-2. Criswell won the IFL Coach of the Year award.

Malloy will be entering his first year of coaching. Malloy played in the NFL as a defensive back for the Detroit Lions from 2001-03. He played in the AFL for the Chicago Rush (2003-04) and for the Las Vegas Gladiators (2004-05), where Dolezel was quarterback at the time. At New Mexico State, he was a candidate for the Jim Thorpe Award and was First Team All-Conference for two consecutive seasons.

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The four coaches will join the coaching staff along with Phil Bogle, who was named assistant head coach last week. Bogle, a former NFL and AFL offensive lineman, is making his third stint with Philadelphia: twice as a member of the coaching staff and once as a player.

ABOUT THE PHILADELPHIA SOUL

The Philadelphia Soul are presented by Parx Casino. They 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.