Aberdeen Roughnecks have appointed George Pirie as their new head coach.
Pirie, who previously served as the club’s Special Teams Coordinator’, will replace outgoing coach Chris Breen ahead of the 2023 season.
Roughnecks, who were founded in 2011, are part of the British American Football Association.
Having initially joined the club as a player in 2016, in the position of tight end and offensive linesman, Pirie went on to become a co-ordinator the following year.
He was part of the coaching staff who helped the team win the Division 2 Championship in 2018.
Last season, Pirie assisted Breen in guiding the Roughnecks to a winning season and rebuilding the team after the pandemic reduced numbers significantly.
Following his appointment, Pirie said: “I am very excited to take on the position as the new Roughnecks head coach for the 2023 season.
“After a tough couple of years the team made good progress last season in our first year back. We have a great group of players on the squad so I believe we have what it takes to continue this development.
“The goal moving forward is to continue to grow the sport of American football in Aberdeen and set the club up for long term success. Coming into my eighth year with the club, and my sixth year coaching I’m looking forward to working alongside the coaching staff and leading this team to another productive season.”
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Roughnecks will host the first of a series of ‘rookie’ sessions at Ellon Meadows on Sunday, November 20 at 11am, with the club keen to provide an opportunity for anyone wishing to give American football a try.
Aaron Michie, who is general manager of Aberdeen Roughnecks, said: “We are thrilled to have George take on a larger role as head coach.
“George has been a key leader of the team for a number of years now and after helping the team overcome some of its biggest challenges it was a very easy decision to offer him the position.
“The club is in a key stage of development and growth and George shares the same vision as the committee.
“With the upcoming Rookie Sessions we also felt it was key to have our Head Coach in place prior to these starting. We look forward to the 2023 campaign starting with our new head coach.”
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