Plank resigns as Soul coach

DOUG PLANK has resigned after one very successful season as the Soul's head coach.

"I would like to thank the entire organization and the city of Philadelphia for how they embraced me and this team. It was an incredible run," Plank said in a statement. "I was blessed to have so many players, coaches, individuals within the organization, and most importantly - the fans - that made my job easy.

"In the last few days, my job description has changed. Coach Plank has now become Doug, Dad and Grandpa."

Plank, 59, ominously said following the team's loss in the ArenaBowl championship game on Aug. 10 that he needed to evaluate his future. Coaching in Philadelphia for 7 months, he said, created a hardship on his family, which lives in Scottsdale, Ariz.

"We certainly understand Doug's view and respect his decision," Soul general manager Tom Goodhines said. "We appreciate all that he has done for this organization.

"Doug's character and integrity speaks for itself, and we thank him for helping get us back to championship-caliber football."

Offensive coordinator Clint Dolezel is the logical choice to replace Plank. Dolezel was the wizard behind the Soul's prolific offense and his bond with Dan Raudabaugh will be a key factor to getting the free-agent quarterback to return to Philadelphia.

The Soul brought in Plank, Dolezel and other coaches and had numerous roster changes after going 6-12 in 2011. Philadelphia responded by going 15-3, before getting thumped by the Arizona Rattlers in the ArenaBowl.

- Ed Barkowitz