His goal: To create, not imitate
New Spokane Shock head coach Adam Shackleford has no intention of being Chris Siegfried II.
While Shackleford would love to emulate the success Siegfried achieved in his one season in Spokane, Shackleford stressed he has his own plan and playbook.
“I’m not looking to be Chris Siegfried, I’m looking to be Adam Shackleford and that also gets you wins, in my opinion,” Shackleford said at his introductory press conference Monday at the Spokane Arena.
“I think you’ll see our receivers go deep a little more. I believe in protecting the quarterback, the five-step drop and finding guys that can either work themselves open or run by people. I learned the system from (Colorado Crush coach) Mike Dailey. The system works; it’s won four of the last five Arena Bowls.”
Shock majority owner Brady Nelson said one of the biggest reasons Shackleford was selected out of a group of 10 candidates was because of his ability to recruit players.
“We thought he worked with us very well,” Nelson said. “He’s very open and it wasn’t his way or the highway. We felt strongly that af2 is all about recruiting. If you get the best players you can win and that’s his philosophy.”
Shackleford, 30, was offensive coordinator and director of player personnel at af2 Louisville before landing his first head coaching job. He has a busy few months ahead as he also coaches the offensive line at NCAA Division III Anderson (Ind.) University and he’s engaged to be married in December.
Shackleford will receive a one-year contract with a salary in the low $40,000s, Nelson said. The af2 office essentially determines salaries, which are adjusted based on a coach’s experience level.
Spokane won the ArenaCup, af2’s top prize, in its inaugural season. Siegfried left to become offensive coordinator with Kansas City of the Arena Football League.
Nelson said Siegfried intends on bringing in Shock standouts Antwone Savage, Kevin Beard, Charles Frederick, Ed Ta’amu, Isaiah Trufant, Rob Keefe, Kyle Rowley, Levi Madarieta, Katon Bethay and Moa Peaua for tryouts. “He’s pushing to bring 11 or 12 (Shock players) into (Kansas City’s) camp,” Nelson said.
Player turnover is inevitable, Shackleford said. “People have told me they won a championship last year it’s not a major rebuilding process. But the reality in af2 is you’re going to lose players to the NFL, AFL and some guys who have played a couple years are going to decide they no longer want to do it.
“We’re going to see what NFL cut guys have to offer. I’ve found out very quickly this is an easy place to recruit to.”
Shackleford hasn’t assembled his assistant coaching staff, but it appears doubtful it will include Shock assistants Troy Biladeau and Travis Crusenberry. They interviewed for the top job and are believed to be involved in other af2 head coaching searches.