SHANE STAFFORD HIRED AS QB COACH

TRENTON - The Jersey Flight have announced that former Atlantic City Blackjacks offensive coordinator and longtime AFL QB Shane Stafford has been hired as the Flight QB Coach and Offensive Quality Control Coach.  

“Shane definitely makes us a better staff and team,” GM/HC Terrence Foster said. “His years of experience as a player and as a Coordinator will add to a locker room that is full of veteran players and coaches. When he became available he was a must have in this organization.” 

“His energy has been electric during his first couple of days and having the opportunity to see two of the best offensive minds (Chris McKinney, OC) work together to coordinate our offensive plan has added a burst of energy going into the season,” Foster said. 

“I am truly excited to be a part of the Jersey Flight,” Stafford said. “I have a ton of respect for Head Coach Terry Foster and I am grateful to have this opportunity. We have a tremendous amount of experience on this coaching staff, combine that with our talent, how can I not be excited to be a part of this organization."  

“The relationship I have with our QB, Warren Smith, is a special one and a lot of credit goes out to Warren for his work ethic, leadership as well as the professionalism he brings to the table, couple that with Coach Foster and Coach Mac, it's a great opportunity for us all to be successful." Stafford said. 

Stafford began his arena career after playing college ball at UConn. Stafford is one of the top QB’s in Uconn history currently ranking third all time in passing touchdowns and yards. 

After a few seasons as a young quarterback with the Tampa Bay Storm, Stafford got his first opportunity in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns. The following year he also signed with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Stafford returned to the Storm in 2004 and played his first full season in the AFL. He stayed with the Storm through the 2006 season when he set career highs for touchdowns and yards. 

Stafford left the Storm after the 2006 season and signed with the Storms “War on I-4” rival the Orlando Predators. Stafford spent two seasons as Orlando’s starter and was named to the Al Lucas Hero team both years. Stafford finished his playing career in 2010 with the Dallas Vigilantes.

Stafford began his arena football coaching career in 2016 with the Tampa Bay Storm. Stafford and Flight QB Warren Smith worked together for the first time briefly during the 2016 season in Tampa. Stafford remained with the Storm in 2017 when they had a strong bounce back season and made the ArenaBowl. 

Stafford and Flight QB Warren Smith reunited in 2018 as members of the Washington Valor. Stafford joined the Valor mid season after a coaching change and helped right the Valor after a slow start to the season. The Valor went on to bounce back and win the ArenaBowl despite having the worst record in the league. 

Stafford’s most recent coaching experience was in 2019 with the expansion Atlantic City Blackjacks. Stafford and Smith worked together on the field the most in AC, with Smith starting four of the teams final games. Smith posted 1,000 yard and 19 passing touchdowns during the final stretch of the season. 

Stafford has coached a number of players on the Flight roster including wide receivers Tyron Laughinghouse and Jared Dangerfield. Stafford will make his debut with the Flight this Friday, May 28th at Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton.

The Jersey Flight are a professional Arena Football team based in Trenton, New Jersey. The Flight are a proud member of the National Arena League (NAL). Home games are played at Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton. The team is owned by New Flight Enterprises, LLC. Follow the team @JerseyFlight on Instagram & Facebook, and @JerseyFlightfFBTwitter.