Interview with Baltimore Mariners Head Coach Chris Simpson

By Tim Lumber • August 10, 2009

Last week Baltimore Mariners media relations director John Wolfe released a statement to the media and public that the Baltimore Mariners football team has re-signed Head Coach Chris Simpson to return in 2010. I think this is great news for Baltimore sports fans. Chris Simpson guided the team to a 9-5 record and the teams 1st ever playoff berth last season.

I had the opportunity to interview Coach Simpson last season before and after the last home game at the 1st Mariner Arena . He has to be one of the most intelligent coaches I have ever interviewed. I think he is the perfect fit to coach the Baltimore Mariners in 2010.

I recently had another opportunity to interview him. Here is what Coach Simpson had to say.

NSR: How excited are you that GM Greg Justice had faith in bringing you back for the 2010 season?
Coach Simpson: I think the 2009 season was a big factor in Greg’s faith in my ability to lead the Mariners. As a staff and as players, we overcame alot of adversity, won games and made our first playoff game as a franchise. It’s a good feeling knowing that my GM and owners believe in me. It adds to my desire to build a championship team here in Baltimore.

NSR: What do you think of the new Baltimore Mariners ownership group?
Coach Simpson: Dwayne and Kevin have always been there for the team, even when the previous ownership wasn’t. Both are very successful businessmen and both have a great deal of passion for the game. The thing I appreciate most about them is there integrity. I am very excited about the future of the Mariners with the two of them running the ship.

NSR: You came so close in 2009, eventually losing to the AIFA Champions Reading Express in the playoffs. How good do you think this 2010 Baltimore Mariners team can be?
Coach Simpson: I can still taste our loss to Reading in the first round of the playoffs. I don’t like it. In order to be better, we must build on the 2009 season and improve in all areas of the game. We have alot of returning players in addition to some quality new talent. We’ll only be as good as the effort we put into training during the offseason and how we prepare for each game. I expect good things for 2010.

NSR: Do you plan on bringing back QB E.J.Nemeth and DT/LB Fearon Wright this season?
Coach Simpson: E.J.Nemeth and Fearon Wright are both tremendous leaders and we are in the process of bringing them back next season. We will have a tremendous amount of competition in October up to our first game next season.

I would like to thank Baltimore Mariners Head Coach Chris Simpson for taking time out for this interview. I would like to wish him good luck for the 2010 AIFA season. For more info on the Baltimore Mariners, please visit the teams website at www.baltimoremariners.com/