Coach Rob Keefe is back to lead the Albany Empire for the organization's first season in the National Arena Football League. In 2019 Keefe led the Empire to a victory in Arena Bowl XXXII in front of 12,000 fans on national television after a 10-2 first place regular season record in the AFL. In his two seasons with the Empire, Keefe compiled an overall record of 22-7 with two first place finishes, earning the top seed in the playoffs each year as well as the Arena Bowl XXXII victory. During this time the Empire boasted numerous individual player accolades including: 2 MVP awards, 2 Offensive and 2 Defensive Players of the Year awards, 2 Offensive and 2 Defensive Linemen of the Year awards, 2 Wide Receiver of the Year awards, 1 Rookie of the Year award, 1 Kicker of the Year award and 23 All Arena players.
Keefe is the only person in AFL history to win Arena Cup (AF2) and Arena Bowl (AFL) titles as both a player and head coach. His arena bowl championship in 2010 with the Spokane Shock made him the youngest head coach in league history to win it all. Keefe has won 3 championships in the AFL and 2 championships in the AF2.
Keefe has accumulated great experience throughout his tenure in arena football, as both a player and a coach. He began as a defensive back for the Spokane Shock in AF2. During his two-year run with the Shock, Keefe finished as the team’s career leader in tackles and interceptions and earned all AF2 honors in both seasons. He entered the AFL with the Philadelphia Soul in 2008, helping the team win Arena Bowl XXII as a defensive back and kick returner.
In 2009, Keefe went back to Spokane, this time as the secondary coach. The first season with Keefe as a coach, the Shock boasted the league’s top ranked defense, allowing a mere 37.6 points per game, capping the season off with an Arena Cup title. The next year, Keefe was promoted to head coach the same year the Shock joined the Arena Football League. The Shock finished their inaugural AFL season with the league’s best record (13-3) and ended as Arena Bowl champions.
As a head coach in the AFL Keefe has accumulated an 83-40 overall record. He is also top ten in victories, winning percentage, post season victories and most arena bowl victories. The average margin of victory in 2019 for the Albany Empire was 16 points, as the offense averaged a league best 52.5 points per game and the defense also finished with a league best of holding opponents to 36.5 points per game.
Before becoming the head coach of the Albany Empire, Keefe spent time coaching the Utah Blaze and the Orlando Predators, continuing his success. “I am very excited to help bring the fun and exciting game of arena football back to the proud Capital Region,” said Keefe. “I can already feel the energy pulsating from the city and the fans. I cannot wait to get back to see all the wonderful sponsors and amazing fans and be instrumental in helping add to the positive strength of the community off the field.”
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