Columbus Destroyers finalize coaching staff for 2019 season
Friday March 1, 2019
Clay Harrell named defensive coordinator/line coach; Stanley Franks named defensive backs/special teams coordinator
COLUMBUS – The Columbus Destroyers announced on Friday that the team has finalized its coaching staff for the 2019 season. Joining head coach Matthew Sauk is defensive coordinator/line coach Clay Harrell and defensive backs/special teams coordinator Stanley Franks.
Harrell joins Columbus after most recently serving as defensive line/strength & conditioning coach for the Cleveland Gladiators in 2017. Before his time in Cleveland, Harrell was offensive/defensive line coach for the Orlando Predators in 2016 and with the Portland Thunder as well during the 2014-15 seasons.
Prior to his coaching career, Harrell started every game at fullback for the Spokane Shock during the 2010 and 2011 seasons. As a runner, he totaled 135 yards with nine touchdowns on 24 carries in helping guide the Shock to a victory in ArenaBowl XXIII in 2010.
A native of West Sacramento, CA, Harrell played collegiately at Northern State University where he earned All-Conference honors as a senior in 2005.
Franks joins the Destroyers coaching staff after serving as assistant defensive backs coach for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League the last two seasons. Prior to his time in the CFL, Franks spent three seasons (2014-16) at his alma mater Idaho State University where he coached the Bengals secondary. Previously, Franks spent a season in the AFL where he served as defensive backs coach for the Spokane Shock in 2011.
Prior to his coaching career and before a knee injury ended his time as a player, the Long Beach, CA, native was a standout defensive back for the Lions in the CFL from 2009-11 and previously spent time in the AF2 with the Shock in 2008, leading the team in tackles with 97.5 while also posting eight interceptions and 17 pass break-ups.
The Columbus Destroyers are members of the Arena Football League (AFL) and make their return to Nationwide Arena this spring! Interested in season tickets? Visit ColumbusDestroyers.com for more information and place your $25 deposit today! For partnership opportunities, please click HERE. Be sure to follow the Destroyers on Twitter @AFLDestroyers, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AFLDestroyers, and on Instagram @AFLDestroyers.