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Rattlers Ticket Hotline: 602-514-TDTD

PHOENIX – Arizona Rattlers Head Coach KEVIN GUY named Arizona native DANNY WHITE the team’s offensive coordinator at a press conference at Friday’s Front Row at Chase Field today.

White, a native of Mesa, returns to the team after spending the last three seasons with the Utah Blaze. As the first Head Coach in Utah’s history, White led the team to the playoffs in all three seasons with the franchise, including the team’s inaugural season in 2006. White previously served as the Head Coach from 1992 – 2004 and led the team to five Arena Bowls and two Arena Football League championships during that span, and missing the playoffs just once in 13 years. Drafted out of Arizona State by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round in 1974, White led the Cowboys to three consecutive NFC Championship games (1980-82), and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1982. In all, White was the team’s starter for over seven years, passing over 21,959 yards and an 81.2 passer rating. He also did double-duty as the team’s punter until 1984.

“This is another step in the process of putting all the pieces together to build a championship caliber football team,” said Guy. “Danny has done an outstanding job everywhere he has been. He’s a proven winner, and he’ll be a great asset for the team and the organization. His experience in play calling is going to be extremely valuable to our offense; he has a great understanding of the Arena Football game.”

“I’m looking forward to being back home and working with the team and the Rattlers organization,” said White. “The Rattlers have assembled a very exciting team and front office, and I believe have all the tools to compete for a championship.”

Guy also announced that coaches KANI KAUAHI and BRYCE SAIA would be returning to his staff for this coming year. Kauahi returns to his post of Offensive Line Coach in his third season with the squad. Kauahi, who also served as the team’s Defensive Line Coach in 2007, has deep ties to Arizona as well, playing four out of his final five NFL seasons with the Cardinals (1989-91, ’93). Kauahi went on to a successful nine-year coaching career in the CFL, winning the 2000 Grey Cup with B.C. Lions before a stint with the San Francisco Demons in the XFL in 2001.

“Kani is a very detailed teacher and competitor and players play hard for him. He did an outstanding job with a very young group last year where three out of our four starters were rookies. Kani and I are both very excited to see this process pay off for us in year two,” said Guy.

Saia was promoted to the position of Special Teams Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach after spending 2008 as the team’s Defensive Assistant where he worked with the team’s linebackers. Saia brings 12 years of coaching experience to his new position, most recently with Southern Illinois. As Defensive Line Coach for the Salukis (2003-07), Saia’s unit ranked in the Top 2 in sacks each season in the Missouri Valley Conference. As Defensive Coordinator for Coffeyville Community College from 1998 to 2003, Saia’s unit consistently ranked in the Top 5 among NJCAA schools.

“Bryce was not hired just because he is a good football coach, but he is also an outstanding recruiter,” said Guy. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of coaching defensive line and special teams to the Rattlers. He’s a very exciting coach to be around.”

The Arizona Rattlers are coming off their playoff guaranteed season in which they doubled their win total from the previous season and hosted a post-season game. 2009 season tickets are on sale now by calling 602-514-TDTD.