Storm Solidifies Coaching Staff

Thursday March 16, 2017

 Doug Kay and Shane Stafford return; Team adds Gary Gussman and Austin Wilson

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Storm is pleased to announce the return of Doug Kay as assistant head coach and Shane Stafford as offensive assistant coach, along with the addition of Gary Gussman as special teams coach and Austin Wilson as defensive line/linebackers coach.

“Coach James has put together a coaching staff that has several years of coaching experience in the Arena Football League,” said Storm vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch. “With the return of Coaches Kay and Stafford, along with the addition of Coach Gussman and Coach Wilson, the Storm has built a professional staff that will help turn the team around and take us in a positive direction.”

Kay returns to the Storm for his fifth season with the team. He brings over 50 years of coaching experience to the Storm, 18 of which were in the AFL. Kay began his AFL career in 1993 as the defensive coordinator for the ArenaBowl VII Champion Tampa Bay Storm. He would return to the Storm on two other occasions, including 2002 as the special teams coach and 2013 as the defensive backs coach/defensive coordinator. Kay will serve as the team’s assistant head coach and defensive coordinator.

Stafford enters his second season on the Storm coaching staff, returning after spending the 2016 season as the team’s offensive assistant coach. The Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania native began his playing career in 2001 with the Storm, playing with the team for five seasons. Stafford finished his career as the team’s all-time leader in pass completions (1,357), pass attempts (2,143), passing yards (15,667) and passing touchdowns (289). He will be the team’s offensive assistant coach, responsible for the development of the quarterbacks and receivers.

Gussman joins the team for his first stint with the Storm coaching staff. A 24-year veteran of the AFL, Gussman has over 15 years of coaching experience. He began his coaching career in 1995 as the special teams coordinator for the Connecticut Coyotes. His coaching career has seen him with the Houston Thunderbears, Rio Grande Valley Dorados (af2), Orlando Predators, Las Vegas Gladiators and New Orleans VooDoo. One of the greatest kickers in Mid-American Conference history, Gussman enjoyed a stellar collegiate career at Miami (OH), where he was an All-MAC selection in three consecutive seasons and earned First Team and All-American honors as a senior.

Rounding out the coaching staff is Austin Wilson. Wilson joins the Storm full-time as the team’s defensive line/linebackers coach. He previously worked with the team on strength and conditioning training. He has coaching experience in various indoor football leagues.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm will enter its 30th season in the Arena Football League in 2017. For more specific details regarding single-game pricing and availability, please contact the Storm ticket office at 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting TampaBayStorm.com or by calling 813.301.6600. For group sales, fans can contact 813.301.6900. Additionally, fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.
Ben Shotten