Haege stunned by firing

Adam Candee

Thursday, July 29, 2004 | 9:21 a.m.

In arena football terms, the news of his firing blindsided former Gladiators coach Frank Haege right into the boards.

The Gladiators fired Haege on Wednesday, nearly two months after the conclusion of their second season in Las Vegas and following a postseason vote of confidence from owner Jim Ferraro. Until Wednesday morning, when Haege learned of his dismissal, the coach had no indication that he would be let go from his discussions with Ferraro.

"All indications were that everything was good," Haege said. "Everything was positive, (he told me) good job at the end."

That was before Arizona coach Danny White was let go last week after a 13-year run with the Rattlers that included two league title and five ArenaBowl appearances. White is one of the most successful coaches in league history and he indicated Wednesday that he is interested in the suddenly open Las Vegas coaching job.

"Oh, yeah, I would be interested in talking to them," White told the Arizona Republic. "It's close to home."

Las Vegas general manager Dan Dolby denied that White's availability was related to the team's decision to fire Haege.

"I don't want anybody to make more out of it than it is," Dolby said. "Believe it or not, it was a timing situation that had nothing to do with other availabilities."

Dolby acknowledged that the timing of Haege's firing is curious and also said that White will be considered for the job.

"I would be a fool not to consider somebody with his track record and reputation," Dolby said of White.

Dolby said factors leading to Haege's dismissal were "team chemistry, direction and being a credible sports franchise."

"It came down to performance and finishing 8-8 last season," Dolby said.

Haege compiled a 25-21 regular season record in three seasons leading the Gladiators, the first of which came in New Jersey. In that year, Haege oversaw a turnaround that took the team from 2-12 to 9-5 and an Eastern Division title.

The team lost in its first playoff game in both of the first two years and, after struggling to a 3-7 start following a major offseason overhaul, missed the postseason with its second straight 8-8 record.

Despite last year's struggles, Ferraro endorsed Haege and allowed him to negotiate the re-signing of some of the team's free agents, including league offensive player of the year Marcus Nash. With two months having passed since the end of the season and just about a month left until the league free agent signing period begins, the timing of the Gladiators' move is unusual.

"It was a surprise, especially with the timing," Haege said. "You'd think if they're going to make a move, it's going to happen right after the season."

Ferraro did not return phone calls seeking comment. In a conversation last month, Ferraro expressed excitement about going forward with Haege in the 2005 season.

But in endorsing Haege during the team's rough start, Ferraro expressed frustration that his offseason investment in quarterback Clint Dolezel and others was not paying off.

"Pressure naturally builds over time if we're hanging around .500 all the time," Ferraro said in March. "It's not acceptable to Frank and to me, it's not acceptable."

Las Vegas won five of its final six games and brings back a core that includes Dolezel and Nash.