Post by 50yardfan on Jul 22, 2010 9:15:02 GMT -5
readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=236164
Chris Thompson, who coached the Reading Express for the last four games of the 2010 season, has been named the fourth head coach in franchise history.
Thompson, who had been the offensive coordinator and assistant general manager, was named the head coach Wednesday by Express owners Ted and Lisa Lavender.
"We are very excited to promote Chris to this new position within the Express organization," Ted Lavender said. "I am confident that he will continue to help us reach our goals as a competitive team and to be a stromg member of the community."
Thompson was offensive coordinator under head coach Bernie Nowotarski for the past three seasons. When Nowotarski left the Express in May, Thompson was elevated to interim head coach for the final four games.
Reading went 3-1 in those four games to finish 8-6. The Express, the 2009 American Indoor Football Association champion, failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in its five-year history.
"I am so honored and deeply humbled by the opportunity and owe it to all of you that helped pave the way for this to come true," Thompson said. "Words can't express how thankful I am."
Thompson was the backup quarterback for the Express during its inaugural season in 2006. He threw a franchise-record 49-yard touchdown pass.
After leaving for one season, Thompson returned to the Express as assistant coach and assistant general manager under Nowotarski for the 2008 season.
Thompson is a graduate of Manhiem Central High School and Bloomsburg University.
The Express still has not named a general manager to replace Nowotarski. Ted Lavender said he wanted to split the duties of head coach and general manager between two people.
Chris Thompson, who coached the Reading Express for the last four games of the 2010 season, has been named the fourth head coach in franchise history.
Thompson, who had been the offensive coordinator and assistant general manager, was named the head coach Wednesday by Express owners Ted and Lisa Lavender.
"We are very excited to promote Chris to this new position within the Express organization," Ted Lavender said. "I am confident that he will continue to help us reach our goals as a competitive team and to be a stromg member of the community."
Thompson was offensive coordinator under head coach Bernie Nowotarski for the past three seasons. When Nowotarski left the Express in May, Thompson was elevated to interim head coach for the final four games.
Reading went 3-1 in those four games to finish 8-6. The Express, the 2009 American Indoor Football Association champion, failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in its five-year history.
"I am so honored and deeply humbled by the opportunity and owe it to all of you that helped pave the way for this to come true," Thompson said. "Words can't express how thankful I am."
Thompson was the backup quarterback for the Express during its inaugural season in 2006. He threw a franchise-record 49-yard touchdown pass.
After leaving for one season, Thompson returned to the Express as assistant coach and assistant general manager under Nowotarski for the 2008 season.
Thompson is a graduate of Manhiem Central High School and Bloomsburg University.
The Express still has not named a general manager to replace Nowotarski. Ted Lavender said he wanted to split the duties of head coach and general manager between two people.