Former Spokane Shock defensive back William Mulder is back with the team in a new role.

Mulder is the new defensive backs coach, following a career arc similar to his predecessor Stanley Franks. Franks, the former Idaho Vandal and Shock DB, suffered a horrific knee injury in the CFL and returned to Spokane as defensive backs coach. When Franks left for a coaching position at Idaho State University, the Shock turned to former player Mulder, who played the last two seasons with Utah, overcoming a torn ACL in 2011.

More on Mulder, quarterback Erik Meyer and the team's travel woes in my notebook. Also, how tough is the AFL's West Division? Four of the top five in the first coaches' poll reside in the West: 1). Arizona. 2). Utah. 3). San Jose, and 5). Spokane.