The Ancona Dolphins have announced the signing of Daniel Levy as their new head coach for the 2015 Italian Football League season.
In addition, the Dolphins have signed import quarterback Luke Zahradka and import linebacker Nic Harris.
Dan Levy with Brazil’s Vila Velha
The 30 year old Levy is young and enthusiastic with a wealth of international experience. Levy has coached in the U.S., Europe and Brazil, and thus understands the dynamics of semi-professional football.
To make the transition easier, Levy uses exactly the same offensive and defensive philosophies that the Dolphins have used in recent years.
Levy replaces Roberto Rotelli, who is stepping down as announced at the end of last season.
“We wanted to change pace, to invest in a long-term project aimed at making the players better,” explains Leonardo Lombardi, president of the Ancona Dolphins. “We decided to hire a coach who is dedicated full-time to every athlete not only on the field, but also off the field, in the gym, video room, in individual sessions.”
Along with new head coach Levy, the club has signed two American players.
The offense will be led by Luke Zahradka, 24, (197 cm, 106 kg), a quarterback from Bentley University (NCAA, Div. II) and with two years experience in Europe.
Luke Zahradka with the Amiens Spartiates
Zahradka spent his first year in Germany with the Kirchdorf Wildcats and his second in France with the Amiens Spartiates, leading his teams to a total of 16 victories, three losses and one draw. Despite his size, Zahradka is a mobile quarterback with an accurate arm and excellent power.
Nic Harris, 28, (188 cm, 105 kg), from Louisiana, played for the University of Oklahoma Sooners (Division I). After his college career, Harris was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 5th round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played in 30 NFL games for the Bills and the Carolina Panthers finishing with 67 tackles.
Harris is a versatile player, who has played both free safety and outside linebacker. With the Sooners, Harrris played in 51 games, recording 233 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 21 passes deflected, seven interceptions, and six forced fumbles.