***Predators Press Release***
ORLANDO, FL – The Orlando Predators are excited to name the team’s new head coach as Rob Keefe for the upcoming 2014 season. Keefe, known for his energy, excitement and passion for the game, is the youngest coach in AFL history to win a championship. Overall, Keefe has four championship victories to his name, and is the only person in Arena Football history to win the ArenaCup (AF2) and the ArenaBowl (Arena Football League) titles as both a player and a coach.
When asked for comment, Coach Keefe said, "I am extremely honored and blessed to be the new Head Coach of the Orlando Predators. I am excited to begin a new chapter and a renewed commitment to excellence that all Predator fans deserve. I would like to thank Dave Pearsall, Scott York and the rest of the Predator family for giving me this opportunity to be a part of a historic franchise and its rise back to the top."
“We wanted to ensure that our new Head Coach would bring driven leadership to the field and it was important to us that he know how to win.” Majority Owner David Pearsall stated. “With 4 rings on his hand already, the mutual goal is to put one on his thumb this year. Coach Keefe personifies the dedication, enthusiasm and hunger it takes to succeed, and may be the only person I know who demands more of himself than I will expect. Rob has a strong knowledge of the game, a focus on winning and we are proud to welcome him as the Predators new head coach and to the city of Orlando.”
Keefe, who was the defensive coordinator for the Blaze last season, and started his coaching career in 2009 with the Spokane Shock as the team’s defensive coordinator before being promoted to head coach for the 2010 season when the organization joined the Arena Football League. Keefe is entering his 6th season as an Arena Football Coach.
Keefe played his first and only season in the AFL in 2008 as a member of the Philadelphia Soul. Keefe helped the Soul earn a victory over the San Jose SaberCats in ArenaBowl XXII in his last active game as a player. Keefe attended Mercyhurst College (Erie, PA) from 1999 to 2003. He collected nine interceptions in his career and ranks 27th in school history with 166 career tackles. Keefe was also a star on special teams, and he still holds the school record for most punt return yards with 643.
ABOUT ORLANDO PREDATORS: The Orlando Predators are managed by Pearsall Holdings, L.P. under the supervision of majority owner David Pearsall. The team plays in the Arena Football League among fourteen total teams in the AFL. The Predators are going into their 23rdseason and have appeared in the playoffs 19 times and have gone on to play in the ArenaBowl seven times, winning the championship in 1998 and 2000.