PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - After a 6-12 season in 2011, the Philadelphia Soul are hoping to turn things around for the 2012 campaign.   And they took the first step in that process this week by hiring Doug Plank as their new head coach (see related story).

Plank replaces Mike Hohensee, who resigned at the end of the season.

Plank is probably most familiar to football fans for his eight seasons as a defensive back with the Chicago Bears.  But he also has been a very successful head coach in the Arena Football League with the Georgia Force.

Why did he choose Philadelphia?

“It’s real simple: (majority owner) Ron Jaworski,” says Plank.  “The relationship and the friendship that I’ve had with him over the years, it definitely made a difference.   I was fortunate enough in being offered several positions around the league, but the ownership group here in Philadelphia, it made a difference.”

Plank talks about what he will be looking for in the 2012 Soul:

“Let’s start with toughness.  Let’s face it — I grew up over in Western Pennsylvania.  I want a team that this city is proud of.  You mention Philadelphia, everyone thinks of tough, aggressive, attacking.  Those are the kinds of adjectives that I want used to describe the Philadelphia Soul.”

Hear Matt Leon’s full interview with Doug Plank in this CBS Philly SportsPod…

Click to download podcast

Plank is 47-25 (including postseason) as an Arena League head coach.

Reported by Matt Leon, KYW Newsradio 1060  

More CBS Philly Sports News