Dallas’ McClay Named AFL’s Top Coach
Will McClay led the Dallas Desperados to a 13-3 record and the top playoff seed in the National Conference. His first reward came on May 25 as the Arena Football League officially honored McClay as its 2006 Coach of the Year.
McClay hopes the second reward comes in the form of Dallas’ first-ever ArenaBowl championship. The Desperados became the first team since the 2002 San Jose SaberCats to win at least 13 games in a season. Next up is a home playoff date against the defending conference champion Georgia Force on May 27 at 3:30 p.m. (EST).
“We’re excited about (being a No. 1 seed), but we know that there’s a target on our back,” McClay told ESPNEWS after the award was announced. “We know we’re going to get everybody’s best shot. What we have to do is go out and execute. We’re excited about this opportunity.”
McClay knows a thing or two – or three – about what it takes to win championships in the Arena Football League. Playing in Detroit from 1989-92, McClay helped the Drive qualify for four ArenaBowls, winning three titles.
So what does McClay expect from his players now that he patrols the sidelines? What is a Will McClain type of player?
“A guy who comes to work and works hard every day,” McClain said. “A guy that knows what it means to be a champion and fits in with a team philosophy. This is a sport where individualism isn’t needed.
“I want guys that have a good time. I’m not going to yell and cuss at you too much. I want to put the job on you and have you handle it. It’s about being a pro.”
McClay is the second member of the Dallas franchise to be recognized by the AFL. Colston Weatherington was named Lineman of the Year for the 2006 season on May 23. Not that the good news ends there for the Desperados.
Quarterback Clint Dolezel, a free-agent signee during the offseason, threw a league-record 105 touchdown passes during the regular season and has been named a finalist for the Arena Football Writers Association Player of the Year award.
“I’m just glad he’s on my team,” McClay said of the 36-year-old Dolezel. “He’s a great quarterback. He understands this game well. It’s a shame he didn’t get a shot at the NFL. But he’s old now, and he’s sticking with us.”
McClay has compiled a 27-20-1 record since taking over the reigns in Dallas on Feb. 4, 2004 – just three days prior to the start of regular-season play.
Other coaches receiving votes included Mike Dailey (Colorado); Weylan Harding (New York); Jay Gruden (Orlando) and Darren Arbet (San Jose).
ALL-TIME AFL COACH OF THE YEAR HONORESS:
2006: Will McClay (Dallas)
2005: Doug Plank (Georgia)
2004: Mike Neu (New Orleans)
2003: Todd Shell (New York)
2002: Darren Arbet (San Jose)
2001: Michael Trigg (Grand Rapids)
2000: Darren Arbet (San Jose)
1999: Mike Dailey (Albany)
1998: Tim Marcum (Tampa Bay)
1997: Eddie Khayat (Nashville)
1996: John Gregory (Iowa)
1995: John Gregory (Iowa)
1994: Perry Moss (Orlando)
1993: Danny White (Arizona)
1992: Perry Moss (Orlando)
1991: Fran Curci (Tampa Bay)
1990: Ernie Stautner (Dallas)
1989: Vito “Babe” Parilli (Denver)
1988: Perry Moss (Chicago)
1987: Tim Marcum (Denver)
(Neil Fuller is a member of the Arena Football League Writers Association and covers the expansion Kansas City Brigade. Fuller also covered the now-defunct Carolina Cobras from 2000-02.)
