In the first major coaching move of the 2017 season in the German Football League, the Saarland Hurricanes have parted ways with head coach Tom Smythe by mutual agreement.
Smythe has been guiding the club for the past three and a half years. He took over in 2014 and since then the team has steadily improved posting 8-6 regular season records in 2015 and 2016 reaching the playoffs both years. After opening the 2017 season with two straight wins, the Hurricanes have lost four in a row, including back to back lopsided losses to the Schwabisch Hall Hurricanes. The loss of starting quarterback Alexander Haupert after three games did not help matters.
The club issued a statement thanking Smythe:
“The Hurricanes would like to thank Tom Smythe for the last 3½ seasons. Working together with Tom brought the club to a great place. Under Tom’s leadership the team enjoyed it’s most successful year in the previous season.”
Felix Motzki will fill the role as interim head coach and Tyler Reese will take over as offensive coordinator.
Smythe was not bitter about the move:
“I had 3 1/2 good years here. Good people to work with and for. The players are good young men. We just didn’t mesh for some reason. I leave with many good memories and will always have a soft spot in my heart for Saarbrucken.”
The Hurricanes coaching staff face a stiff test right out of the gate in a crucial game this weekend as they will host the most improved team of the young 2017 season, the 4-1 Marburg Mercenaries.