Portland Steel Announce Coaching Staff Additions

 On Friday, Portland Steel general manager and head coach Ron James announced the addition of wide receivers coach Kirk Broussard, offensive line coach Ron McBride, and defensive coordinator Will Mulder to the coaching staff for the 2016 season. From a league press release, James said, "We have assembled a strong coaching staff, complete with good teachers of the Arena Football game. It will be my pleasure to coach alongside some of the hardest working, dedicated professionals in the business."

Kirk Broussard (Facebook)

Kirk Broussard spent 2015 as the Tight Ends Intern Coach for the Buffalo Bills, and has other NFL experience with the Detroit Lions in 2013 as Running Backs Coaching Intern. Broussard has also spent time in the American Indoor Football Association, the Indoor Football League, and the Canadian Football League in various positions including assistant head coach, offensive coordinator, and director of player personnel.

Ron McBride (Pinterest)

Ron McBride has most recently served as offensive line coach for the Utah Blaze in 2013 but is most well known for his time at the University of Utah where he spent 13 years building up a previously abysmal Utes program that had gone 28 years without a bowl game appearance. From 1990 to 2002, McBride led them to six bowl games and an overall record of 88-63. His success is overshadowed by Urban Meyer, who coached the team to a 22-2 record during his two years as McBride’s successor before moving on to his great success at Florida and Ohio State. McBride followed his time at Utah with one year as Kentucky’s inside linebackers coach, but returned to being a head coach at Weber State University for a seven-year stint.

Will Mulder (AFL)

Will Mulder returns to the Portland organization as defensive coordinator after spending last season as defensive backs coach with the Spokane Shock. In Mulder’s previous round with Portland, he guided the team to becoming one of the best defensive passing units in the league.






Ron James had more comments regarding his revamped staff: “I’m excited to see these coaches help our team to reach their fullest potential this season. Their guidance will be an integral part of our process, as we strive to bring Portland a great brand of football.”


The Steel begin training camp on Wednesday, March 9 as they prepare for the start of the AFL season. Their first game is against the Arizona Rattlers on Friday, April 1 at home in the Moda Center. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. and will be televised nationally on the CBS Sports Network.