Arizona Wranglers – Wranglers Tough. No Apologies
Vital Info
Founded: 1983
Stadium: Sun Devil Stadium
Head Coach: Frank Kush
Division: Pacific
1986 Season
Record: 0 – 0
Next Game: at Los Angeles Express
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Roster Highlights
Franchise HIstory
Arizona Wranglers: A Turbulent Ascent (1983–1985)
1983: Rock Bottom in the Desert
- Coach: Doug Shively (fired after one season)
- Record: 2-16 (worst in the league)
- Infamy: Allowed a league-record 533 points (33.3 PPG).
- Lowlight: Shut out twice by the eventual league champs, Chicago Blitz by a combined score of 65 – 0.
- Silver Lining: Drafted RB Reggie Brown (future star) and LB Bruce Gheesling (tackle machine).
1984: Marv Levy’s Brief Rebuild
- Coach: Marv Levy (hired for credibility, but clashed with ownership).
- Record: 5-13 (+3 wins, but still dismal).
- Offense Improved: Scored 408 points (up from 227) thanks to QB Vince Evans’ dual-threat play.
- Defense Still a Sieve: Allowed 608 points (worse than 1983, due to Levy’s aggressive schemes failing).
- Turning Point: Levy resigned mid-1985 to coach the Houston Gamblers, calling the Wranglers “a project for madmen.”
1985: The Kush Era Begins
- Coach: Frank Kush (signed to a 5-year deal, promising “no more soft football”).
- Record: 11-7 (first winning season), Pacific Division champs.
- Improved Rush Offense (Reggie Brown’s 1,206 yards, 32 TDs).
- Defensive Culture Shift: Blitz-heavy schemes cut PPG allowed to 19.3 (from 35.5 in 1984).
Season Schedule
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