Post by DiamondThief on Nov 14, 2013 11:51:27 GMT -8
Note: As the assistant coaching staff for the Thunder is announced; information will be updated in this thread. Stay tuned for future notifications.
From the Portland Thunder's website:
From the Portland Thunder's website:
AFL veteran Will Mulder has been announced as the defensive coordinator of the Portland Thunder.
“I’m very excited and would like to thank Coach Matthew Sauk for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with Coach Sauk and the talent we have coming in this season,” Mulder said. “Defensively, we are going to be a disciplined group that plays fast and physical. Our loud fans play a big role when our defense is on the field, so expect to see lots of hard hits and defenders playing with attitude.”
After an impressive playing career, Mulder entered the coaching ranks in 2013, leading the defensive backs for the Spokane Shock. Under Mulder’s guidance, the Shock secondary finished third in the AFL with 31 interceptions, including 10 that were returned for touchdowns. Spokane defensive back Paul Stephens tied for third in the League with 12 interceptions.
“Will brings significant experience to our defense and has the ability to teach and develop our secondary,” said Head Coach Matthew Sauk. “He understands what defensive backs need to do in order to be successful in the AFL. I believe he will do well with the players we have coming in.”
During the 2008 and 2009 seasons, Mulder was standout defensive back and return specialist for the af2’s Lexington Horsemen. Over two seasons, he delivered 14 interceptions while returning six kickoffs for scores. In his final season with the Horsemen, Mulder earned second-team All-af2 accolades after finishing second in the league in passes defended (35), third in interceptions (11), and first in interception return yards (209).
Mulder advanced to the Arena Football League the following season, joining then-offensive coordinator Matthew Sauk with the Spokane Shock in 2010. He registered 82 tackles with 19 pass breakups and three interceptions while helping the Shock to an ArenaBowl XXIII victory over the Tampa Bay Storm.
Mulder was once again united with Coach Sauk over the following two seasons, as the two joined the Utah Blaze from 2011-12. Mulder provided a veteran presence in the secondary, as he played in 16 games and collected 86.5 total tackles with four tackles for loss, one sack, six interceptions, 13 pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
The Portland Thunder will kick off its inaugural season at the Moda Center on Monday, March 17th when they take on the San Jose SaberCats.
“I’m very excited and would like to thank Coach Matthew Sauk for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with Coach Sauk and the talent we have coming in this season,” Mulder said. “Defensively, we are going to be a disciplined group that plays fast and physical. Our loud fans play a big role when our defense is on the field, so expect to see lots of hard hits and defenders playing with attitude.”
After an impressive playing career, Mulder entered the coaching ranks in 2013, leading the defensive backs for the Spokane Shock. Under Mulder’s guidance, the Shock secondary finished third in the AFL with 31 interceptions, including 10 that were returned for touchdowns. Spokane defensive back Paul Stephens tied for third in the League with 12 interceptions.
“Will brings significant experience to our defense and has the ability to teach and develop our secondary,” said Head Coach Matthew Sauk. “He understands what defensive backs need to do in order to be successful in the AFL. I believe he will do well with the players we have coming in.”
During the 2008 and 2009 seasons, Mulder was standout defensive back and return specialist for the af2’s Lexington Horsemen. Over two seasons, he delivered 14 interceptions while returning six kickoffs for scores. In his final season with the Horsemen, Mulder earned second-team All-af2 accolades after finishing second in the league in passes defended (35), third in interceptions (11), and first in interception return yards (209).
Mulder advanced to the Arena Football League the following season, joining then-offensive coordinator Matthew Sauk with the Spokane Shock in 2010. He registered 82 tackles with 19 pass breakups and three interceptions while helping the Shock to an ArenaBowl XXIII victory over the Tampa Bay Storm.
Mulder was once again united with Coach Sauk over the following two seasons, as the two joined the Utah Blaze from 2011-12. Mulder provided a veteran presence in the secondary, as he played in 16 games and collected 86.5 total tackles with four tackles for loss, one sack, six interceptions, 13 pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
The Portland Thunder will kick off its inaugural season at the Moda Center on Monday, March 17th when they take on the San Jose SaberCats.