The NAL Releases it's 2021 Coaches of the Year

6-2 Columbus Lions Take Home Both Coaching Staff Awards

ALBANY – The National Arena League celebrates the conclusion of it’s fourth regular season in league history with outstanding play from all six teams. The league yesterday finished it’s annual player awards for the 2021 season naming it’s All-NAL teams earlier in the week and revealing their players of the year yesterday. The league now moves on to it’s staff awards which begins with the coaches of the year. Through a league wide vote the NAL has determined it’s Head Coach of the Year and it’s Assistant Coach of the Year, tomorrow the NAL will announce it’s franchise awards which will recognize teams for being the best in the NAL for many different categories that surround the sport of arena football. See below for the NAL’s 2021 Best Head Coach and Best Assistant Coach.    

HEAD COACH OF THE YEAR
Jason Gibson (Columbus Lions) 

In his fourth NAL season as the Lions head coach Gibson has led the Lions to their third NAL Championship game. In perhaps his best season in the NAL, Gibson’s 6-2 Lions dominated the line of scrimmage and fostered some of the league’s best talent on both sides of the ball with NAL MVP quarterback Mason Espinosa and Defensive Player of the Year Marvin Ross to name a few. His Lions have accomplished many records, accolades, and awards this season but are determined to accomplish one more goal this year; to win that NAL Championship and bring home the NAL trophy to Columbus, GA.

ASSISTANT COACH OF THE YEAR
Brandon Reed (Columbus Lions)

Returned this year as the Lions Defensive Coordinator to form the best defense in the NAL this season, allowing the fewest points allowed all season long finishing the regular season with only 267 points scored by opposing teams. The Lions defense also ranked 1st in interceptions 18 this season, seven more than any other team in the NAL. Up front the Lions defensive line led the league in sacks with 18 as well. Coach Reed’s consistent success this season not only contributed to the Lions 6-2 record but poised his loyal players for high achievement as four of his starters earned either 1st or 2nd Team All-NAL defensive honors. 

ABOUT NATIONAL ARENA LEAGUE
The National Arena League was founded in 2016 and hosted its inaugural season in 2017 as the premier league in arena football. For more information regarding expansion opportunities or partnerships, contact Commissioner Chris Siegfried at chris@nationalarenaleague.com . For more information about the NAL visit www.nationalarenaleague.com, facebook.com/nationalarenaleauge, twitter.com/NALfootball, Instagram.com/nationalarenaleague.