Shawn Liotta

Last updated

Shawn Liotta
Personal information
Born: (1980-07-11) July 11, 1980 (age 43)
Springdale, Pennsylvania
Career information
High school: Springdale (PA)
College: Robert Morris
Position: Head coach
Career history
As a coach:
Career highlights and awards
  • NCAA D-IAA Mid Major National Championship (2003)
  • 2× Coach of the Year (2012, 2013)
  • 2× CIFL Champion (2013, 2014)
Head coaching record
Career:67–35 (.657)

Shawn Liotta (born July 11, 1980) is currently the Head Football Coach at Fan Controlled Sports and Entertainment [1] [2] [3] [4] and is the author of the book "No Huddle No Mercy" [5] [6] which details his record setting offensive system [7] [8] [9] that has been used by football programs around the world. [10] [11] Since 2018 Liotta has served as the Head Football Coach at Burrell High School [12] [13]

Contents

Liotta is also currently serving as the director of coaching for Fan Controlled Football, [14] [15] a professional football league launching in 2021. [16] [17] Liotta has also served as an offensive coordinator in the USA Football, US National Team Program, leading the US Under 18 National Team to a win over Canada in the 2020 International Bowl. [18]

Liotta was previously an indoor football head coach who most recently coached the Erie Explosion. Over his 9 seasons as a head coach at the professional indoor level, Liotta has established himself as a consistent winner and producer high scoring offensive units as evidenced by his team establishing 26 league and national records. Following the conclusion of the 2014 season, Liotta holds a 76% win percentage (58-19) during his tenure in Erie and has led his teams to 7 playoff berths in 8 seasons. Liotta holds a (35-5) record at the Erie Insurance Arena, and his teams have finished as the number one ranked offense in three different professional indoor leagues. For his accomplishments at the indoor level, Liotta has twice been named Coach of the Year and in 2007 was selected to coach the AIFA All-Star Game held in Florence, SC.

Early life

Liotta is a 2002 graduate of Robert Morris University with a bachelor's degree in Sport Management. [19]

Coaching career

Duquesne University

Liotta gained experience at the college level as the running backs coach at Duquesne University where he was a part of the Dukes 2003 NCAA Division IAA- Mid Major National Championship under head coach Greg Gattuso. [20] Liotta has served as a coach at the Professional, Collegiate, and High School level including serving as a head or assistant coach at every level of high school football in the State of Pennsylvania. [21]

Erie Professional Indoor Football

Liotta was hired as the head coach of the Pittsburgh RiverRats in 2007. In 2008, the franchise moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, and Liotta remained with the franchise. [22] In 2009, Liotta left Erie to join the Wheeling Wildcats. [19] Liotta returned to Erie in 2010. In 2011, Liotta coached quarterback, Adam DiMichele to an MVP season in the Southern Indoor Football League, [23] as well as a Northeast Division title. [24] After leading the Explosion to the UIFL North title game in 2012, Liotta was named the 2012 UIFL Coach of the Year. [25] Liotta re-signed for the 2012 season. [26] In 2012 Liotta authored a book titled Developing and Maintaining a Successful Professional Indoor Football Program. In 2013 Liotta led the Explosion to a perfect (12-0) record [27] and the 2013 CIFL Championship. [28] The Explosion finished with the league's top ranked offensive and defensive unit and Liotta was named the 2013 CIFL Coach of the Year. [29] The 2013 season marked the 3rd consecutive year that Erie finished with the league's top overall offense with a different first year starter at quarterback. His brother Jeremy Liotta coordinated the defense which also finished as the league's top defense overall. In 2014 despite a large roster turnover, Liotta led the Explosion to a regular season record of 9-2. The Explosion would have to travel to Saginaw Michigan to take on the Sting, setting up a rematch of the 2013 CIFL Championship game. Erie would go on to blow out the Sting 46-15, earning the right to defend their championship against the Marion Blue Racers. The Explosion would prove to be too much for the Racers, defeating them 38-26, capturing the league championship for the 2nd year in a row. [30] The Explosion would not fare as well in 2015 with their move to the Professional Indoor Football League, only winning one league game in their inaugural season in that league.

Project FANchise / FCF

In 2016 Liotta began working with Project FANchise to educate fans on the ins and outs of professional indoor/arena football. [31] Liotta created instructional content that was used across all platforms for the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles who competed in the IFL in 2017. Liotta's instructional materials that were featured in Sports Illustrated [32] [33] [34] [35] were used not only in building the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles franchise but also by fans around the world.

Liotta remained with Project FANchise as it transitioned to the Fan Controlled Football league in 2021, bringing on one of his mentors, John Jenkins. [36]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Continental Indoor Football League</span>

The Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL) was an indoor football league based along the Midwestern United States region that played nine seasons from 2006 to 2014. It began play in April 2006 as the Great Lakes Indoor Football League (GLIFL). It was formed by Jeff Spitaleri, his brother Eric, and a third member, Cory Trapp, all from the Canton, Ohio, area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reading Express</span>

The Reading Express were a professional indoor football team based in Reading, Pennsylvania. They were most recently a member of the United Conference of the Indoor Football League (IFL). The Express began play in 2006, as an expansion team of the American Indoor Football League. The team was originally going to be named the Reading RiverRats, but passed on that name in favor of the "Reading Express." The RiverRats name and logo was moved to an AIFA team in Pittsburgh in 2007. The owners of the Express were Ted & Lisa Lavender. They played their home games at the Sovereign Center.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erie Explosion</span> American indoor football team

The Erie Explosion was a professional American indoor football team based in Erie, Pennsylvania. Founded in 2007 as the Pittsburgh RiverRats, the Explosion played in the Professional Indoor Football League, the United Indoor Football League, the Southern Indoor Football League, the Continental Indoor Football League and the American Indoor Football Association and operated continuously from 2007 to 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wheeling Wildcats</span>

The Wheeling Wildcats were a professional indoor football team located in Wheeling, West Virginia. The team began play in the Continental Indoor Football League during the 2009 season as an expansion team. The Wildcats were the second indoor football team to be based in Wheeling. The team filled the void left by the demise of the Ohio Valley Greyhounds, who played their final down of football in 2007. The owner of the Wildcats was Dave Bender. The Wildcats played their home games at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cincinnati Commandos</span> Indoor football team based in Ohio, US

The Cincinnati Commandos were a professional indoor football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The team suspended operations for the 2013 season, with hope of returning in 2014. They began play in 2010 as an expansion team in the Continental Indoor Football League before moving to the United Indoor Football League in 2012. The Commandos then left the UIFL after winning Ultimate Bowl II and re-joined the CIFL, but never took the field after its announcement. The Commandos were the fifth arena or indoor football in Cincinnati, after the Cincinnati Rockers, Cincinnati Swarm, Cincinnati Marshals, and Cincinnati Jungle Kats. The owners of the Commandos are Dennis Whitman and Paul Napier. The Commandos played their home games at Cincinnati Gardens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thomas McKenzie</span> American football player

Thomas "T.J." McKenzie is a former indoor football defensive lineman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miami Sting</span>

The Miami Sting were a professional indoor football team based in Coral Gables, Florida. The Sting was to play its home games at the BankUnited Center on the campus of the University of Miami in Coral Gables. The Sting folded just before the 2013 season began.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maurice Williams (wide receiver)</span> American football player (born 1987)

Maurice "Moe" Anthony Sherrod Williams is an American football wide receiver for the Jacksonville Sharks of the National Arena League (NAL).

The 2012 Cincinnati Commandos season was the 3rd season for the franchise, and their first as a member of the Northern Conference of the United Indoor Football League (UIFL).

The 2012 Marion Blue Racers season was the 2nd season for the United Indoor Football League (UIFL) franchise.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kane County Dawgs</span>

The Kane County Dawgs were a professional indoor American football team based in Kane County, Illinois. The team joined the Continental Indoor Football League in 2013 as an expansion team. The Dawgs were one of three indoor football teams based in the Chicago metropolitan area. The Chicago Rush of the Arena Football League are based in Rosemont, and the Chicago Slaughter of the Indoor Football League are based in Hoffman Estates. The CIFL has had the Chicago Pythons which replaced the Chicago Knights, formerly the Chicago Cardinals, as the Illinois-based CIFL team, which replaced the Slaughter after they left for the Indoor Football League after a dispute with CIFL management. The Owners of the Dawgs are Mike Dortch and Macey Brooks. The Dawgs played their home games at the Seven Bridges Ice Arena in 2013.

The 2013 Kane County Dawgs season was a short-lived season for the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL) franchise.

The 2012 Erie Explosion season was the sixth season for the indoor American football franchise, and their first as a member of the Northern Conference of the United Indoor Football League (UIFL).

The 2011 Erie Explosion season was the 5th season for the Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL) franchise.

The 2010 Erie Storm season was the 4th season for the American Indoor Football Association franchise.

The 2009 Erie RiverRats season was the third season for the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) franchise.

The 2008 Erie RiverRats season was the 2nd season for the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) franchise.

Charles J. Tarver is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Hudson Valley Community College

The 2015 Erie Explosion season was the ninth and final season for the indoor football franchise, and their only season in the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL).

The 2012 Western Pennsylvania Sting season was the first season and only season for the Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL) franchise.

References

  1. "Burrell coach Shawn Liotta, brother Jeremy key cogs of innovative Fan Controlled Football League | Trib HSSN". June 3, 2022. Retrieved November 2, 2022.
  2. "X's and O's With FCF Head Coach Shawn Liotta – FCF NEWS" . Retrieved November 2, 2022.
  3. "X's and O's With FCF Head Coach Shawn Liotta – FCF NEWS" . Retrieved November 2, 2022.
  4. "T.O. looks to secure playoff spot in Fan Controlled Football". RSN. Retrieved November 2, 2022.
  5. "Burrell football coach Shawn Liotta authors 'No Huddle, No Mercy' | Trib HSSN | Trib HSSN". March 9, 2020.
  6. "No Huddle No Mercy: A Complete Guide To Installing The No Huddle Offense". www.amazon.com. February 9, 2020. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
  7. "Welcome".
  8. "Run vs. Pass: Fast-paced, high-scoring offenses finding a home in Alle-Kiski Valley | Trib HSSN | Trib HSSN". September 5, 2020. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
  9. "Q & A With Shawn Liotta, Architect of the No-Huddle, No Mercy Offense". www.americanfootballmonthly.com.
  10. "Virtual reality: Western Pa. coaching clinics move to web | TribLIVE.com". triblive.com. May 7, 2020.
  11. Samuels, Doug (March 23, 2020). "Adding a versatile choice route package to any offense - Shawn Liotta | Burrell HS (PA) | Head Coach".
  12. "Burrell hires Shawn Liotta as football coach | Trib HSSN | Trib HSSN". April 17, 2018.
  13. "Liotta named Steelers Coach of the Week". www.steelers.com. Retrieved November 2, 2022.
  14. "Digital Exclusive: Fan Controlled Football". January 31, 2021.
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  16. "Are you ready for some (fan-controlled) football?". Washington Post.
  17. "Fan Controlled Football is where FANS call the shots".
  18. "Burrell football coach Shawn Liotta leads national team to International Bowl win | Trib HSSN | Trib HSSN". January 24, 2020.
  19. 1 2 John Dudley (May 6, 2012). "John Dudley: Explosion coach fine with shining in Erie". www.goerie.com. CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  20. "Liotta Named Head Coach At Line Mountain High School". Duquesne University Athletics.
  21. https://blogs.usafootball.com/blog/3149/[Podcast]%20Trends%20day%20Week%2014%20-%20Constraints,%20RPO's,%20Tricks%20&%20QB%20Progressions
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  23. "Erie Explosion QB named indoor league MVP". www.goerie.com. CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News. July 9, 2011. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  24. Bob Jarzomski (June 5, 2011). "Erie Explosion level Harrisburg Stampede in finale". www.goerie.com. CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  25. "Explosion's Liotta, McKenna earn UIFL end-of-season honors". www.goerie.com. CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News. June 17, 2012. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  26. "Erie Explosion re-sign coach Liotta". www.goerie.com. CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News. July 27, 2012. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  27. Bob Jarzomski (May 13, 2013). "Explosion nips Sting for CIFL title". www.goerie.com. CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  28. D. J. Vasil (May 28, 2013). "Springdale grad Liotta coaches indoor football team to perfect record, league title". www.triblive.com. Trib Total Media, Inc. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  29. "Erie Explosion coach, players claim CIFL honors". www.goerie.com. CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News. June 25, 2013. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  30. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7506547/ [ user-generated source ]
  31. "Real Life Fantasy Football: Where The Fans Call The Shots". September 6, 2018.
  32. Liotta, Shawn. "Articles by Shawn Liotta". Sports Illustrated.
  33. Staff, S. I. "The Hurry Up: playcalling in front of goal posts". Sports Illustrated.
  34. Staff, S. I. "IFL 101: The offensive basics of indoor football". Sports Illustrated.
  35. Staff, S. I. "Play-action pass game". Sports Illustrated.
  36. "Digital Exclusive- Local coach helps bring interactive football to fans". January 31, 2021.