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New Soul DC Is Former Phillies' Minor Leaguer

By Matt Leon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- The Philadelphia Soul are already looking ahead to the 2015 Arena Football League season as they put their coaching staff together.

It was announced a while back that Clint Dolezel would be back as head coach. Recently the Soul also announced that Phil Bogle will once again serve as assistant head coach/line coach and Derek Stingley will come on board as the new defensive coordinator. Stingley most recently served as the head coach in Pittsburgh.

"I'm glad to be here in Philly," Stingley tells KYW Newsradio. "I think it's perfect timing. For me, being in this league, coaching in this league as a head coach/defensive coordinator, I know a lot of the offenses that's within this league. Me teaming up with Clint Dolezel and Coach (Phil) Bogle, especially Clint, because he is an offensive genius in my opinion, and I know that he's been doing a lot of it, by calling both sides of the ball the last couple years. If I come along to help him out, to relieve some of that pressure off him of calling plays and to get the guys in a better situation, this is perfect. I know I'm thrilled to be here, I know that those coaches are ready to work. I'm ready to put myself out there, my brand, I just can't wait for the season to start."

Stingley has a connection to Philadelphia sports outside of his new gig. He was drafted by the Phillies in the 26th round back in 1993 and spent three seasons as an outfielder in their minor league system, getting as high as A-ball. He hit .219 in 169 games with 55 steals.

"I played baseball before I really made the transition to football," Stingley says. "Baseball was something that I was into as a young kid and when I got drafted, Philadelphia picked me up, and I was like, 'Wow, I'm going to play in Philadelphia.' But I never actually made it to Philadelphia as a baseball player because I was trapped in the minor leagues. But it was still awesome to wear that 'P' on my chest and 'P' on the hat. I do feel like, even though I never made it to Philly, that Philly is a part of me because of that."

Stingley is the son of the late Darryl Stingley, the former New England Patriots wide reciever who was paralyzed by a Jack Tatum hit in a 1978 preseason game.

Philadelphia went 9-9 last season and made the Arena Football League playoffs.

You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.

 

 

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