Photo by: Arron Anastasia

The Pittsburgh Power will announce at 1:00pm on Tuesday, July 17 at CONSOL Energy Center that they plan to retain Interim Head Coach Derek Stingley as head coach of the franchise in 2013. Since inheriting a 2-8 football team, Stingley has earned three victories for the Power improving them to 5-12 as they prepare for their final game against Jacksonville on Friday, July 20.

“I have to be humble about it and most definitely I’m excited to be the next coach of the Pittsburgh Power,” Stingley said. “I’m honored that the Power organization decided to bring me back as the permanent head coach of this team.”

Power Owner Matt Shaner also released a statement regarding the retaining of Stingley as head coach:

“I am very happy that Coach Stingley has accepted the offer to become the head coach of the Pittsburgh Power. Coach Stingley has the experience and the respect of our players and of players across the league.  He will be a strong recruiter in the areas we need to improve at.”

Stingley began the year as the Power’s defensive coordinator orchestrating the league’s number one defense. Stingley began coaching in the af2 in 2005 for the Macon Knights and has since coached for the South Georgia Wildcats, the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings and the New Orleans VooDoo.

“We had a great win Saturday night against Georgia and we will finish the season strong this Friday on national television against Jacksonville,” Shaner added in his statement. “I am excited for our final game on Friday, July 20 at CONSOL Energy Center and also for the 2013 season.”

Photo by: Jeff Gamza

This Friday night marks the final game of the Power’s 2012 season. Kickoff at CONSOL Energy Center will be at 8 p.m. and will be broadcasted on the NFL Network.

“We still have another game left,” Stingley said. “This game means a lot to us because to win this game means we end on a winning streak and can look forward to 2013.”

Stingley wants to ensure that Pittsburgh has a successful Arena Football team, representative of the expectations the city has for greatness.

“This is a hardworking city,” Stingley said. “We as a coaching staff will work hard to put together a good team for next season. It’s all about work ethic. It’s all about attitude. We’ll look to compete in the playoffs next season and hopefully make it to the championship game.”