Todd Shell to be named Rattlers coach

[DJRamFan]

Richard Obert
The Arizona Republic
Aug. 3, 2004 04:42 PM


Todd Shell on Thursday will officially be announced as Danny White's replacement as head coach of the Rattlers.

Shell, the team's top choice since White was fired two weeks ago, is succeeding the man who gave him his first break in Arena football. White hired Shell in 1993 to be his defensive coordinator. The next season, the Rattlers won the ArenaBowl.

Shell, who will be introduced during an 11:30 a.m. news conference at America West Arena, took his first head coaching job in 1995 when the San Jose SaberCats made him the franchise's first coach. In his first season, the SaberCats became the first expansion team in Arena football history to win a division title, taking the Western crown.

He was 29-25, taking San Jose to the playoffs three times in his four seasons there. He was 15-9 as the New York Dragons coach the past 1½ seasons.

Shell, a former Mesa Mountain View High and Brigham Young linebacker, won Super Bowl rings as a player with the San Francisco ***** in 1984 and '88. He retired after five season due to injuries.

Shell could possibly bring Lary Kuharich with him to be offensive coordinator of the Rattlers. White always handled those duties in his 13 seasons with the Rattlers. Kuharich was running-backs coach of the New Orleans Saints in 1998 and '99 when Ricky Williams played there. Kuharich is friends with Rattlers Vice President Gene Nudo,. who advised Shell to hire Kuharich two seasons ago when Shell was given the New York job at midseason.