Clint Dolezel

Last updated

Clint Dolezel
Clint Dolezel 2.jpg
Dolezel in 2017
Texas A&M–Commerce Lions
Position: Head coach
Personal information
Born: (1970-03-25) March 25, 1970 (age 53)
Waco, Texas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:205 lb (93 kg)
Career information
High school: Robinson (TX)
College: East Texas State
Undrafted: 1994
Career history
As a player:
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
As a coach:
Career highlights and awards
Career Arena statistics
Comp. / Att.:3,749 / 5,698
Passing yards:44,564
TD-INT:931–155
Passer rating:117.75
Rushing touchdowns:41
Head coaching record
Regular season:103–52 (.665)
Postseason:12–7 (.632)
Career:115–59 (.661)
Player stats at ArenaFan.com

Clint Dolezel (born March 25, 1970) is an American football coach and former professional arena football player in the Arena Football League (AFL).

Contents

Dolezel was a quarterback in the AFL before becoming the head coach of the AFL's Philadelphia Soul from 2013 until the league folded in 2019. He played college football at East Texas State, and was in the AFL for 13 seasons from 1995 to 2008. Dolezel first became a head coach in 2010 with the San Angelo Stampede Express of the Indoor Football League (IFL). After just a single season, Dolezel returned to the AFL as the head coach of the Dallas Vigilantes. After the Vigilantes franchise suspended operations, Dolezel joined the Philadelphia Soul as their offensive coordinator under head coach Doug Plank. Plank left the Soul following the 2012 season, and the Soul promoted Dolezel to head coach. He was named the inaugural head coach of the Frisco Fighters in the Indoor Football League before the 2020 season. On December 7, 2022, it was announced that Dolezel would return to his alma mater, Texas A&M University–Commerce, to serve as the school's head football coach. [1]

As an AFL player, he was originally signed by the Milwaukee Mustangs. In his career, he also played for the Texas Terror/Houston Thunderbears, Grand Rapids Rampage, Las Vegas Gladiators, and the Dallas Desperados. Dolezel was also a scout for the Dallas Cowboys 2007.

Early life

Born in Waco, Texas, to Johnnie and Judy Dolezel, Clint attended Robinson High School in Robinson, Texas, where he was a standout quarterback and golfer.

College career

After graduating from Robinson, Dolezel attended Cisco College and was a student and a letterman in football. In football, he was a second-team All-Conference selection as a sophomore. After graduating from Cisco, he committed to the University of Southern Mississippi. However, a coaching change landed Dolezel at East Texas State University to play for coach Eddie Vowell. Dolezel was a letterman in football, golf, and track and field at East Texas State, becoming one of just three documented three-sport athletes in the history of the university. He quarterbacked the Lions in 1992 and 1993 and ended his career as a Lion throwing for 3,152 yards and 23 touchdowns over 2 seasons. The Lions finished 8–2 during his junior year and finished second in the Lone Star Conference.

Professional career

After establishing himself as one of the best young quarterbacks in the AFL, Dolezel signed with the Chicago Bears in 2000. [2]

Dolezel, along with wide receiver Terrill Shaw, helped the Grand Rapids Rampage win the 2001 ArenaBowl. Dolezel and Shaw became teammates again playing for the Dallas Desperados in 2006.

In September 2003, the Rampage traded Dolezel to the Las Vegas Gladiators for Sedrick Robinson, Paul LaQuerre and Hardy Mitchell. [3]

On March 12, 2006, Dolezel threw his 700th career touchdown, becoming just the third quarterback in AFL history to do so. The Desperados won that game versus the Tampa Bay Storm 64–35.

On April 16, 2007, in a 51–41 home win against the Philadelphia Soul, Dolezel became the first professional quarterback to throw 800 touchdown passes. [4] In 2007, Dolezel became the first quarterback in league history to lead his team to 15 wins in a season. Despite the 15–1 record, Dallas lost to the 7–9 Columbus Destroyers in the first round of the playoffs. In a 2008 game versus the Grand Rapids Rampage, Dolezel became the first quarterback in league history to throw for 900 touchdown passes in a career.

Statistics

YearTeamPassingRushing
CmpAttPctYdsTDIntRtgAttYdsTD
1995 Milwaukee 101283.312121113.5351
1996 Milwaukee 91656.31032180.9231
1997 Texas 25938866.83,3776915117.41977
1998 Houston 34355861.54,2288117108.417165
1999 Houston 37455667.34,3368019112.32243
2001 Grand Rapids 36457463.43,9528010111.28142
2002 Grand Rapids 33950567.13,8787919113.47−91
2003 Grand Rapids 36154566.24,4318915119.21082
2004 Las Vegas 38158565.14,4289312118.922489
2005 Las Vegas 30246564.93,5057816112.8610
2006 Dallas 37557365.44,68510511122.222213
2007 Dallas 37553370.44,4741079128.210−21
2008 Dallas 25738866.23,0466610118.811126
Career3,7495,69865.844,564931155117.7515912841

Stats from ArenaFan: [5]

Coaching career

Dolezel had said that he would like to be a coach after his career is over. [6] It was announced that on January 19, Dolezel would become the offensive coordinator for the Florida Firecats' 2009 season (due to the Arena Football League suspending operations for 2009). [7] He was the head coach of the San Angelo Stampede Express of the Indoor Football League in 2010.

Dolezel was announced as the head coach for the Dallas Vigilantes for the 2011 season. The team did not play in 2012 for unknown reasons.

On August 21, 2012, Dolezel was promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach of the Philadelphia Soul. [8]

On September 16, 2014, Dolezel re-signed with the Soul for two more seasons. [9]

In June 2016, Dolezel was announced as the first head coach of the China Arena Football League's Beijing Lions. [10] He was named an All-Pro North Division All-Star as a head coach. [11] On November 6, 2016, the Lions won the first China Bowl and finished the season undefeated.

Dolezel in 2017 Clint Dolezel (cropped).jpg
Dolezel in 2017

On August 25, 2016, Dolezel was named the 2016 Marcum-Moss Head Coach of the Year. [12] A day later, he won his first ArenaBowl championship as a coach when the Soul defeated the Arizona Rattlers, 56–42, in ArenaBowl XXIX in Glendale, Arizona. [13]

On August 26, 2017, the Soul beat the Tampa Bay Storm in ArenaBowl XXX by a score of 44–40. [14]

In 2019, the AFL folded and Dolezel was hired as the inaugural head coach of the Frisco Fighters in the Indoor Football League before the 2020 season. [15] However, the 2020 season was cancelled due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. He returned to Frisco for the 2021 season, leading the team to a 10–3 record and made it to the league semifinal. Near the end 2021 season, Dolezel was signed to a multi-year extension, [16] but ultimately chose to leave the team to pursue other opportunities. [17]

Dolezel served as a quarterback coach consultant for Zachary Levi in preparation for the 2021 film, American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story. [18] Levi starred as Kurt Warner, the Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame NFL quarterback, in the film. Dolezel assisted in training Levi with mechanics, physical training and throwing. Dolezel played against Warner when the duo played in the Arena Football League.

Dolezel was named the 21st head coach in the history of the football program at Texas A&M University-Commerce, his alma mater, on December 7, 2022. He became just the third alum to take the reins of the Lion football program, and the first since 1930. In his first year, the Lions went 1–9.

Head coaching record

Arena football

TeamYearRegular seasonPostseason
WonLostWin %FinishWonLostWin %Result
SAS 2010 104.7142nd in Intense Lonestar East11.500Lost Divisionals II (Billings)
IFL total104.71411.500
DAL 2011 117.6112nd in AC Central01.000Lost to Chicago Rush in Conference Semifinals.
PHI 2013 126.6672nd in AC Central21.667Lost to Arizona Rattlers in ArenaBowl XXVI
PHI 2014 99.5003rd in AC Central01.000Lost to Cleveland Gladiators in Conference Semifinals
PHI 2015 153.8331st in AC Central11.500Lost to Jacksonville Sharks in AC Championship
PHI 2016 133.8131st in AC301.000Won ArenaBowl XXIX
PHI 2017 131.9291st in AFL201.000Won ArenaBowl XXX
PHI 2018 75.5833rd in AFL02.000Lost to Baltimore Brigade in Semifinals
PHI 2019 75.5833rd in AFL21.667Lost to Albany Empire in ArenaBowl XXXII
AFL total8739.690106.625
BEI 2016 501.0001st in CAFL101.000Won China Bowl
CAFL total501.000101.000
FRI 2021 103.7693rd in IFL11.500Lost to Massachusetts Pirates in Semifinals
IFL total103.76911.500
Career total11246.709138.619

College

YearTeamOverallConferenceStandingBowl/playoffs
Texas A&M–Commerce Lions (Southland Conference)(2023–present)
2023 Texas A&M–Commerce 1–92–56th
Texas A&M–Commerce:1–92–5
Total:1–9

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dallas Desperados</span> Arena football team

The Dallas Desperados were a professional arena football team based in Dallas, Texas. The Desperados played in the Eastern Division of the Arena Football League from 2002 to 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Philadelphia Soul</span> Arena football team

The Philadelphia Soul are a professional arena football team based in Philadelphia. They competed in the Arena Football League (AFL). The Soul made Six ArenaBowl appearances, winning their first appearance and losing their next two appearances. The Soul won in their fourth appearance, against the Rattlers in 2016, winning 56–42. They also won in their fifth appearance in 2017 against the Tampa Bay Storm, winning 44–40. But lost their sixth in 2019 to the Albany Empire 45-27.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grand Rapids Rampage</span> Arena football team

The Grand Rapids Rampage was an arena football team based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The team began play in 1998 in the Arena Football League as an expansion team. They were last coached by Steve Thonn. Their home arena was the Van Andel Arena.

Aaron Garcia is a former professional American football quarterback who played 19 seasons in the Arena Football League (AFL), from 1995 to 2014. He played college football at Washington State University before transferring to California State University, Sacramento. After retiring from the AFL, Garcia was named the head coach of the Las Vegas Outlaws in September 2014, and was formally introduced as the head coach of the Outlaws on October 11, 2014. Garcia is married to Bryn Garcia and has five children, Gigi, Bella, Anthony, Christian, and Jaxon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ArenaBowl XV</span> 2001 edition of the Arena Football Leagues championship game

ArenaBowl XV was the 2001 edition of the Arena Football League's championship game, pairing the Grand Rapids Rampage of the Central Division with the Nashville Kats of the Southern Division. The Grand Rapids offense, led by quarterback Clint Dolezel and MVP Terrill Shaw, was able to outmatch the Nashville defense, and Grand Rapids won the game, 64–42.

Nick Browder is a former Arena football quarterback who played in the Arena Football League (AFL) for the Buffalo Destroyers (2000), the Grand Rapids Rampage, the Detroit Fury (2002), and the Philadelphia Soul (2004) and the New York Dragons. In 2007, he signed with the Dallas Desperados as the backup to Clint Dolezel. He played college football at Valparaiso University. He is a member of the Valparaiso University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Clinton Jacob Stoerner is a former American football quarterback, who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins. He also played in the Arena Football League (AFL) and NFL Europe. He played college football for the University of Arkansas.

Corey Mayfield is a former American football offensive lineman/defensive lineman and coach of the Arena Football League (AFL). Mayfield is currently the defensive coordinator of the Texas Revolution of Champions Indoor Football (CIF). Mayfield played in the National Football League (NFL) and the Arena Football League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kyle Rowley</span> American football player (born 1979)

Kyle Rowley is an arena football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He also played in the former af2. He played college football at Brown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dan Raudabaugh</span> American football player and coach (born 1987)

Daniel "Red" Raudabaugh is a former American football quarterback who played in the Arena Football League (AFL) for the Dallas Vigilantes and Philadelphia Soul. He played college football at Miami University.

Michael Scott Trigg is a former American football quarterback and head coach in the Arena Football League (AFL). He played college football at East Texas State University.

The China Arena Football League, often abbreviated as the CAFL, was a professional arena football league that played its games in the People's Republic of China. It featured players from the now-defunct Arena Football League (AFL) and other indoor football leagues' rosters while also using players from China or who are of Chinese descent, The six team, eight-on-eight football league consisted of four Chinese players and four "foreign" players on the field at a time. The league began play in the fall of 2016 and held two seasons, one in 2016 and another, heavily abbreviated, schedule in 2019. It was the first professional American football league to play in China. The CAFL was not directly affiliated with the AFL, instead owned by AFL Global, LLC, a company that was created by Martin E. Judge Jr.

James MacPherson is a former American football quarterback who played two seasons in the Arena Football League (AFL) with the Georgia Force and Grand Rapids Rampage. He played college football at Wake Forest University. He was also a member of the Indianapolis Colts, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Colorado Crush, Philadelphia Soul and Green Bay Blizzard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luke Collis</span> American football player (born 1988)

Luke Collis is a former American football quarterback. He signed with the Spokane Shock as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He played college football at the Occidental College after transferring out of University of Nevada, Reno. He was also a member of the Chicago Rush, Knoxville NightHawks, San Angelo Bandits, Tampa Bay Storm, Philadelphia Soul, Beijing Lions and Georgia Doom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tracy Belton</span> American football player (born 1984)

Tracy J. Belton is a former American football defensive back. He played college football at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and attended Largo High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He has also been a member of the Arkansas Twisters, Green Bay Blizzard, Milwaukee Iron, Georgia Force, Jacksonville Sharks, Orlando Predators, New Orleans VooDoo and the Philadelphia Soul.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Romain</span> American football player (born 1987)

James Romain is an American football defensive back who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Delaware State University and attended Far Rockaway High School in New York City.

ArenaBowl XXXII was the 32nd and most recent ArenaBowl and the championship game of the 2019 Arena Football League season. The game took place on August 11, 2019, with kickoff at 8:00 p.m. EDT on ESPN2. It featured the winners of the two semifinals, the No. 1 seed Albany Empire and the No. 3 seed Philadelphia Soul.

Eddie Ray Vowell is a retired American football coach. He is best known for serving as head football coach at Texas A&M University–Commerce from 1986 to 1998. He is second in program history with 73 career wins and led the Lions to the 1990 Lone Star Conference championship and appearances in the NCAA Division II playoffs in 1990, 1991, and 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frisco Fighters</span> Indoor football team

The Frisco Fighters are a professional indoor football team based in Frisco, Texas. A member of the Indoor Football League, the Fighters play their home games at the Comerica Center. The team was set to participate in the 2020 season, but were unable to play due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

References

  1. ↑ "Clint Dolezel hired as A&M-Commerce Football coach".
  2. ↑ "Dolezel Signs with Chicago Bears". www.oursportscentral.com. OurSports Central. March 22, 2000. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
  3. ↑ "Rampage Acquire Three Veterans for Dolezel". www.oursportscentral.com. OurSports Central. September 2, 2003. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
  4. ↑ Stephen Hawkins (July 5, 2007). "Record-setting Dallas QB Dolezel looking for 2nd AFL title". www.myplainview.com. My Plainview. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Clint Dolezel". arenafan.com. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  6. ↑ Adam Candee (September 24, 2004). "Dolezel ready to throw himself into new assignment". www.lasvegassun.com. Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
  7. ↑ "af2: Florida Firecats name Dolezel as offensive coordinator". www.naplesnews.com. Naples Daily News. January 13, 2009. Archived from the original on February 12, 2012. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
  8. ↑ "Philadelphia Soul Promote Clint Dolezel to Head Coach". www.philadelphiasoul.com. Philadelphia Soul. August 21, 2012. Archived from the original on April 10, 2012. Retrieved August 22, 2012.
  9. ↑ Ed Barkowitz (September 17, 2014). "Dolezel re-ups to coach the Soul". www.philly.com. Interstate General Media, LLC. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
  10. ↑ "Six-Shooters – China's First Coaches Set for Action". arenafan.com. June 3, 2016. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  11. ↑ "The CAFL has announced their 2016 All-Pro North division All-Stars". caflfootball.com. November 4, 2016. Archived from the original on November 7, 2016. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  12. ↑ "Dolezel Awarded Marcum Moss Coach of the Year". www.oursportscentral.com. OurSports Central. August 25, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
  13. ↑ "Soul Defeat Rattlers, 56–42, to Claim AFL Crown". arenafootball.com. August 26, 2016. Archived from the original on August 28, 2016. Retrieved August 28, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  14. ↑ "Soul Snare Second Straight Foster Trophy in ArenaBowl XXX". arenafootball.com. Archived from the original on August 27, 2017. Retrieved August 27, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  15. ↑ "'Frisco Fighters' named Indoor Football League team for the city". Community Impact Newspaper . December 11, 2019.
  16. ↑ "FIGHTERS SIGN DOLEZEL TO MULTI-YEAR EXTENSION". IFL. August 21, 2021.
  17. ↑ "FIGHTERS HAVE A NEW LEADER". Frisco Fighters. November 9, 2021.
  18. ↑ American Underdog Soundbites CLINT DOLEZEL QUARTERBACK OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR , retrieved January 11, 2022
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.