The Pittsburgh Power have hired Ron James as their new head coach, the team announced Friday.
Becoming the third head coach in Power history, James joins the team after spending the past four seasons as the head coach of the Utah Blaze where in 2012 he was named the Arena Football League Head Coach of the Year. James will be reuniting with former players quarterback Tommy Grady and wide receivers Aaron Lesuè and Shaun Kauleinamoku.
The 29-year coaching veteran got his start in the League as an assistant coach for the Albany Firebirds in 1990. He later joined the staff of the Houston ThunderBears in 1999, serving as the Director of Player Personnel and coaching the offensive and defensive lines.
From 2002-04, James was the assistant head coach for the Las Vegas Gladiators. He coached both the team’s offensive and defensive lines and the special teams unit. In 2005, he was promoted to head coach of the Gladiators. That year the team led the AFL in total offense and total defense. With James, the Gladiators broke 14 team records, including new franchise season-highs for passing yards (4,664) and total yards (4,996).
Coach James began his span with the Utah Blaze in 2007, coaching the offensive and defensive lines. He added Director of Player Personnel to his title the following season. After a dismal 1-6 start in 2010, James was promoted to head coach. It was under his leadership that the Blaze quickly became one of the AFL’s elite teams. In 2012, Utah produced the most successful season in franchise history with a 12-6 record.
“On behalf of the Power organization, I want to express our excitement in announcing Coach James as our team’s new head coach,” Power owner and chairman Matt Shaner stated, “With his history of success in the AFL, we believe Ron is the right man to lead our team.”
“Coach James has repeatedly shown the ability to lead players and coach successful teams,” remarked Power Co-Owner Lynn Swann, “our goal is to bring a championship to Pittsburgh.”
The Power return to action on Saturday, March 29, hosting the San Jose SaberCats. Kickoff at CONSOL Energy Center is set for 5:00 pm. The game will be televised on thisTV Pittsburgh and broadcast on TribLIVE Radio.