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Post by DiamondThief on Aug 24, 2015 20:49:20 GMT -8
Aug. 24 -- In much anticipated news, the Portland Thunder and head coach Mike Hohensee have agreed to part ways after just one season, the team has confirmed.
Hohensee, who was hired after last season to replace Matthew Sauk, hinted on facebook that he would not be returning to the Thunder for the 2016 season. Sauk helmed the team during its inaugural season in 2014.
Also let go by the team was Hohensee's coaching staff; defensive coordinator Ernesto Purnsley, special teams coordinator Lee Johnson and line coach Will Harrell. Harrell was the lone hold over from Sauk's coaching staff.
Hohensee guided the Thunder to a 5-13 record and an appearance in the first round of the Arena Football League playoffs, where they were routed by the San Jose Sabercats, 55-28. The record is identical to that of Sauk's tenure.
Hohensee, who played six seasons of football from 1983-88, had previously been the head coach of eight arena football teams. Most recently, he was at the helm of the Iowa Barnstormers from 2012-2014. He was fired by the Barnstormers as they are transitioning to the Indoor Football league, technically a step down from the AFL.
As head coach of the Chicago Rush, he directed the team to the ArenaBowl XX title in 2006. As a player (quarterback), he is credited with throwing the first touchdown pass in AFL history.
The 53-year old coach possesses a 153-147 career regular season record and is 12-12 in the playoffs. In the past five seasons (one with the Philadelphia Soul and three with the Barnstormers), he compiled a 25-47 record and his teams failed to make the playoffs in each of those four years.
Following the Hohensee hiring, we questioned whether the team was headed in the right direction with the move. You can read my blog: Thunder pull trigger too soon on Sauk firing.
According to the Thunder's official press release, the search for Hohensee's replacement will begin immediately. Some names which have already been thrown out are former Spokane Shock coach Andy Olson and former Las Vegas Outlaws coach Aaron Garcia.
- ANM
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Post by David on Aug 24, 2015 21:05:07 GMT -8
Not surprising at all. It's just unfortunate that the next coach will be Thunder Reboot 3.0.
For my two bits, I kinda hope it's Olson. The guy does know how to coach, even though there are times where I seriously question his judgement... but nowhere near the bad BrainCramps that Coach Ho had.
It is interesting seeing the social media reactions though. Seems like many really liked Hohensee.
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Post by Kasey on Aug 24, 2015 21:17:18 GMT -8
it was just a matter of time. as much as i did not care for Ho, you can't keep going one and done with coaches. you have to give these guys three years to build something.
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Post by newellbrian on Aug 24, 2015 21:59:34 GMT -8
This is just really frustrating and discouraging. You can't expect the fans to follow a new team if it doesn't have solidarity, especially after so few seasons. I'm hoping it will, but it makes me wonder if the Thunder are gonna stick around, especially with the AFL being as unstable as it is.
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Post by DiamondThief on Aug 25, 2015 5:16:07 GMT -8
This is just really frustrating and discouraging. You can't expect the fans to follow a new team if it doesn't have solidarity, especially after so few seasons. I'm hoping it will, but it makes me wonder if the Thunder are gonna stick around, especially with the AFL being as unstable as it is. There are those who think the Thunder are on the brink of extinction. I do not think so. The fact they did fire the coach rather than let him die with the team tells me they will be around for another season at least. The discouraging thing is that we have not heard anything leaked about any expansion teams being announced. The league will have to expand if it is to survive. I have had several discussions with others about Emmert. Both in person and online. Maybe the one positive is that he is too stubborn to let the team die. Still, the turnover in the front office is terrible and the way he treats employees is even worse. I could tell to a couple things I have heard, but I promised to keep the conversations confidential. Let's just say they are very enlightening. This all could end up being up to Scott Butera and whatever plan he has for the league. He already botched the Las Vegas/New Orleans tie game thing and the board of directors overruled that plan. Like you though, I am not liking the direction this is all headed. |
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Post by Yeseeka on Aug 29, 2015 13:52:36 GMT -8
I was frustrated with the way he called plays. A lot of times it just didn't make sense. Especially inside the 10 yard line. Every time we should have run we passed and every time we should have passed we ran. I am glad the Thunder are moving on.
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Graphic courtesy of David.