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Spokane Shock

Spokane Shock lose Sauk to Utah

Spokane offensive coordinator Matt Sauk has accepted a similar position with the Utah Blaze, according to Shock head coach Rob Keefe. The move will allow Sauk to return fulltime to his home in Utah with his wife and two young daughters. He will also receive a small pay raise to join Blaze head coach Ron James’ staff. “It’s not a surprise at all, especially in football when it’s a results business and people realize who the good coaches are,” said Keefe, who led Spokane to an ArenaBowl championship in the franchise’s first season in the Arena Football League. “That’s when people start calling. Matt did such an awesome job. In this game, where the money can be sparse, if you can coach and do what you love and be around your family you have to do it.” Spokane, with first-year coordinator Sauk calling plays, averaged 61.4 points during the regular season, third best in the league. The Shock averaged 62 points in three playoff games as quarterback Kyle Rowley tossed 23 touchdowns and zero interceptions. Keefe has a few potential replacements in mind, but it’s unlikely ex-Shock head coach and current Jacksonville offensive coordinator Chris Siegfried is on the list. Siegfried might be in the running for an AFL head coaching position. “I’m looking for somebody who is hungry that will work best with us,” Keefe said. Utah was 2-14 last season, finishing a distant third in the West Division behind Spokane (13-3) and Arizona (10-6).