One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do. Derek Stingley is probably feeling rather lonely tonight after being relieved of his duties as head coach of the Pittsburgh Power.
Just one game into a brand new season with a practically brand new roster, Stingley was let go on the heels of a disappointing 63-53 loss to the Cleveland Gladiators, a game which saw the Power blow a 17 point lead late in the game. Stingley’s overall record as a head coach is 8-31, another factor that could no longer be ignored.
Power owner Matt Shaner weighed in on the situation, ““I decided to make a change after extensively interviewing coaches, front office staff and players. We needed a new environment, a different tone I wanted to bring to the organization.”
Most people you talk to will tell you Stingley is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet but being nice doesn’t win games and maybe it’s time to find someone who can light a fire under some Power posteriors.
Entering the fray for the Power will be 2012 AFL Coach of the Year Ron James, who was the head coach of the now defunct Utah Blaze for the past four seasons. James had the Blaze one play from the Arena Bowl in 2012. Working to James’ advantage will be his familiarity with key Power players Tommy Grady, Aaron LeSue and Shaun Kauleinamoku who were strong contributors to that successful 2012 season for Ron James.
James will be expected to bring a strong change in atmosphere to a Power locker room which has seen plenty of losing in their three-year history.
“I received the message loud and clear that they want this program to be successful,” James said.
Pittsburgh is on a bye this week so James will get his first chance as head coach next Saturday at home against the San Jose SaberCats.
Photo Courtesy Jeffrey Gamza/Pittsburgh Power Facebook
