Darrin McDowell Named New Head Coach Of NEPA Miners

Last season the Miners returned to prominence in the semi-pro football ranks with a 9-3 season earning a playoff spot and building a foundation for even greater expectations in 2013. Leading the Miners to meet those expectations will be a new leader as Gary Haase has stepped down as Head Coach to focus on family and will be taking on a different role with the Miners to be determined. "After a great first year with the NEPA Miners, I have decided to step down to focus on my three children. I know the Miners are in great shape moving forward this season. With Coach McDowell at the help, a championship is definitely on the horizon," said Gary Haase.

Coach Darrin McDowell becomes the fourth different Head Coach as the Miners enter their seventh season in North Eastern Pennsylvania. Darrin was presided by team founder Dan LaMagna in 2007, 2008, Donnie Jackson-Bey in 2009 before he took a position at West Side High-School, LaMagna again in 2010 and 2011 before Coach Haase stepped in last season allowing the Miners to find their best balance on and off the field. "Coach Haase did a great job for us last season but is passing the torch to a great man. Leadership is so important in football and Coach McDowell will utilize his twenty years of military experience as an Army Captain to lead our men. He is an offensive minded coach and did a great job for us coaching and recruiting last season," stated team founder Dan LaMagna.

Coach McDowell joined the NEPA Miners in 2012 as the teams Quarterbacks Coach and the teams' first ever Recruiting Coordinator, two areas in which the NEPA Miners shined as the team had strong play from their QB's all season and the talent brought into the team led the Miners to their best overall record in six seasons. Coach McDowell coached under Gary Haase as the Offensive Coordinator for the New Jersey Stags in 2011 and running backs coach in 2010. Coach MacDowell also was the running backs coach for the 2010 National East Prep game. Coach McDowell is a retired Army Captain having served 20 years in operation Just Cause (PANAMA), Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Coach is currently a Sheriff's officer in Sussex County. "I am honored and excited to be named the new Head Coach of the Miners and wish the best of luck to Coach Haase. I plan on continuing the tradition of great football with the goal of bringing home a championship to the Miners family. This organization with great owners, a top notch executive board, dedicated coaches and a core of players second to none, I see a bright future ahead," said Miners new Head Coach Darrin McDowell.

"The Miners coaching staff has top quality and depth and that is why our new Head Coach came from in house with Darrin. His experience, knowledge and leadership will lead the Miners to build and expand upon last year's success. We are also excited because we are working to retain Gary Haase in a front office position that suits his family allowing his skills and contacts to still benefit the Miners players. This is a smooth transition that preserves, our staff, roster and team culture of the Miners family," said Jason Muskey, Miners team President. Coach McDowell will make his Miners debut June 15th versus the Western Connecticut Militia. The complete schedule and season tickets can be found at www.nepaminers.com or on the Miners App for your Apple or Android device.