After months of speculation the Coventry Jets finally announced the identity of their new Head Coach. Stuart Franklin will take the reigns from Gerry McManus who's remaining on an interim basis while the Jets' quarterback looks to lead the Valencia Firebats to another Spanish title. Franklin held the dual roles of starting quarterback last season whilst running the team's offense.
Arriving mid-season last year, Franklin managed to refresh the team and lead them to Britbowl XXIII where they lost their title to his former team, the London Blitz. It'll be Franklin's first Head Coaching role and will make him the youngest in the club's short history. "I'm delighted that we've managed to secure Stuart's services for the foreseeable future" stated General Manager and Jets coaching legend Gerry McManus "as well as his incredible knowledge he brings an infectious enthusiasm to the club as a whole".
"As a large part of the Olympians' incredible dynasty Stuart's learnt how to build an organisation from top to bottom under Riq Ayub, unquestionably the best British Coach we've ever seen. I'd compare it to Bill Belichick emerging from the Bill Parcells school of coaching, so, no pressure then!" Franklin has left things in good hands as he's already assembled a full coaching staff, something the Jets have never been able to boast.
Defensively, Scottish Claymores and London Monarchs legend, Rowelle Blenman will reprise his role as co-ordinator with McManus coaching the defensive line. Simon Vardy will take linebackers with Adam Biggs overseeing the defensive backfield. On the other side of the ball Graham Huber will co-ordinate the offense with Pete Cowler looking after the linemen. Former NFL Europe players Roman Von Der Goltz and Jeremy Simms will handle quarterbacks and receivers respectively whilst Anthony Campbell will coach running backs.
"I'm looking to bring some fresh ideas to the Jets" commented Franklin, continuing "as per last season motivating the squad will be paramount and utilising the experience of the other coaches that have travelled the previous journey with the Jets.
I'd like to instil more of a European outlook in the British game and with Rowelle, Jeremy and Roman on board that'll make for a smooth transition. I'm offensively minded but understand how important it is to have a solid defence, that's been the basis of the Jets past success and with the coaches and players that we have we'll keep that tradition going".
"Success breeds success and that needs to continue with the Jets programme both on and off the field. The backroom staff is the strongest it's ever been and will lead us from strength to strength. The move to the Butts is evidence of the club's ambition and the Saturday night games will breathe new life into the British game. Playing for the Jets isn't just about wearing the shirt, it's about having fun and winning football games".
"I can promise the fans entertainment, no one will leave the Butts disappointed, we'll be putting out a talented young squad that will play at a high tempo". Whilst Franklin doesn't arrive until June, he'll have a more than able deputy in the guise of McManus. The former Coventry Jaguar has led the Jets to five straight bowl games including the thrilling National Championship victory over Franklin and the Blitz in 2008.
Franklin will be asked to oversee a club that will be the only one in Britain to field a team in all seven disciplines. Coventry's newly created kitted youth team join the adult and junior contact sides as well as flag teams in all categories; cadet, junior, youth and adult. McManus showed his pride in the clubs commitment to American Football "It's something to be very proud of, we've put an awful lot of work into recruiting young players to field all of these teams and it's credit to the coaches and the backroom staff that we're the only club that can boast such an achievement".
Coventry's season begins on Sunday the 16th of May with a trip to face newly promoted London Cobras. McManus and his squad will know they have their work cut out for them against a talented young squad that haven't lost in their two year history. The Jets' first home game is a repeat of last season's semi-final as they welcome the Bristol Aztecs to the Butts just six days later (22.05.10). For further information please visit the Jets' website www.coventryjets.co.uk or follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/CoventryJets.