Perennial Playoff Power Saarland Adds Quality to
2017 Coaching Staff
Years of continuity, regular playoff appearances and quality organization have
the Saarland Hurricanes confident of breakthrough year with quality additions
to existing coaching staff.
Oregon Football legend Tom Smythe is entering his fourth season as the Head Coach of the
Saarland Hurricanes and a coaching staff of 13 is at his disposal for 2017. “We have a veteran
offensive staff returning and some new faces on defense, but all our new coaches have experience
as players or coaches in the GFL and higher, which will be a positive for the ‘Canes.”
Without further ado, meet Hurricane Tom’s Staff for 2017:
Paul Motzki (GER) has been with ‘Canes for over a decade as a player where he also reached the
starting ranks of the German National Team as a Corner Back. After two years of assisting top
coaches out of the US, he has been promoted to Defensive and Special Teams Coordinator.
Cory Goodman (CAN) is returning for his second year with the ‘Canes and will draw on his
coaching experience from both High School and University ranks as he serves as Assistant
Offensive Coordinator under Tom Smythe. Cory has been on the ground in Saarbruecken since
November this year and is making great progress with the Offensive Attack.
Tyler Paffett (USA) started all 13 games in his senior season at Air Force Academy as a standout
WR/RB were his Falcons were able to play in the Armed Forces bowl versus Cal and Houston.
Career highlights for Paffett were his 105 yd rushing performance at San Diego State and starting
versus the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend. After years of experience coaching at the US
High School and College level, he is ready to take on the GFL for the next years as Running Backs
coach.
Charles Comer (USA) returns as long time player and assistant coach in the GFL for the ‘Canes
and will be leading the Wide Receiver unit in 2017. His great work with the WRs was already on
display last season and shows much promise going forward.
Lenny Greene (US/GER) the German Football legend returns for his 3rd season as an active
player for the ‘Canes. Hurricane Lenny will also lead the self-regulated troop of experienced DBs
that draws yearly on its experience from NFL, NCAA, and GFL talent.
Tyler Reese (USA) will make his debut in Saarland as Quarterbacks coach to support local top
talent Alex Haupert. Reese looks back on a playing career at the the Air Force Academy and years
of coaching experience in US High Schools and German Football League in Head Coach and
Coordinator roles.
Hendrick Voss (GER) played 17 seasons as starting Linebacker and team Captain for the ‘Canes
where he also was named to the German National Team. His loyal service to the club will continue
as he goes into his 2nd season of coaching the Linebackers.
Oliver Duchene (GER) returns to the ‘Canes in his 3rd GFL Season as Offensive Line Coach.
Willi Grunwald (GER) returns for his 2nd year as Defensive Line coach at the ‘Canes.
Frank Kneipp (GER) is making the step up to the first league from his previous team
(Kaiserslautern Pikes) and will be coaching the Linebackers in his first year at Saarland.
Lothar Guth (GER) is also making the step up to the GFL from the Pikes and will be handling the
talented group of Fullbacks and Tight Ends.
“I am happy that we were able to retain the very experienced coaching staff from last season and
add more quality to the individual coaching with key signings for several positions.” - Defensive
Coordinator and Team Manager Paul Motzki
Heading up the Strength and Conditioning program will be Jan Schimpchen and his new assistant
Patrick Berndt who have been working non-stop to get each athlete where they need to be to
compete and win in the Playoffs in 2017. Working as a PhD Candidate at the Institute of Sports
and Preventive Medicine at the University of Saarbrücken. Jan assists the coaching staff with his
areas of interest: Fatigue, recovery and adaptation in sport, Physiological principles of strength
training, Periodization in sport and Physiology in team sports since last season.
There is reason for hope in Saarland and this coaching staff will have an all-star cast of returning
players and new roster additions to work with that will be announced in short.