Trigg was in the second year as coach of the Soul. The team had a 5-11 record in 2004 and were 2-3 at the time of Trigg's termination. Expectations were high for the team in 2005 following the off-season signing of free agent quarterback Tony Graziani. It has been clear, however, that the team is in desperate need of a better defensive effort despite Graziani's addition to the offense.
Soul defensive coordinator James Fuller was appointed interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Fuller becomes the sixth minority head coach in the Arena Football League.
Soul co-owners Jon Bon Jovi and Craig A. Spencer issued a joint statement: "We are confident that James will right the ship and get us back on track. We appreciate all that Michael has done for the organization, as he was very instrumental in getting us off the ground in our inaugural season. We wish him the best of luck in the future."
In his eighth year of Arena Football, Fuller's time with the Soul follows a two-year stint as head coach of the Bakersfield Blitz (af2).
Fuller was an eight round draft pick of the San Diego Chargers in 1992 and played for the Philadelphia Eagles under then head coach Ray Rhodes during parts of the 1996-97 seasons. During the 2004 NFL training camp, Fuller was a member of the New England Patriots coaching staff.
"We feel that this team still is one of the elite teams in the Arena Football League," said Soul President Ron Jaworski. "We respect what Michael Trigg has done for the organization over the past year and a half. We are confident that James will get us moving back in the right direction."
The Soul return to the Wachovia Center this Sunday when they host their Eastern Division rival the New York Dragons. The game will be broadcast live on NBC Sports (NBC-10/WCAU Philadelphia). The game can also be heard on Philadelphia News Talk WNTP 990 am and via the internet at www.philadelphiasoul.com. Tickets for the game are still available. Call 888-PHIL-AFL or visit www.philadelphiasoul.com for more information.
