Gibson Announces First Coaching Hire

2022 Offensive & Defensive Line Coach Returns

JACKSONVILLE, FL- The Jacksonville Sharks are proud to announce their latest hire for the upcoming Season.  Head Coach Jason Gibson made his first hiring decision today for the 2023 Sharks coaching staff. Gibson’s move brings back Coach Clay Harrell, who served as the Sharks offensive and defensive line coach for the 2022 season. Coach Harrell’s linemen helped the Sharks to seven wins last season including five home victories and a playoff appearance. Three Jacksonville Sharks lineman received All-NAL honors as offensive lineman Faleaoga Russell earned First Team All-NAL honors and defensive linemen Chei Hill & Kwan Stallworth earned Second Team All-NAL honors. The Sharks defensive line finished 1st in the NAL with 26 total sacks in the regular season while the offensive line helped the Sharks become one of the fewest sacked teams surrendering only 11 sacks in 14 games. The offensive line also paved the way to a top NAL rushing attack in 2022 finishing second in the NAL with 23 rushing touchdowns (Carolina, 24). 

“Getting Coach Clay Harrell back for the 2023 season was one of my top priorities. Finding a good offensive & defensive line coach is a big key to winning. His experience and knowledge of the arena game is exceptional. Players respect him as a coach and his ability to teach the game.” Stated Sharks Head Coach Jason Gibson. 

Harrell enters his second season on the Jacksonville Sharks coaching staff. Prior to the Sharks, Coach Harrell had a long coaching career in the Arena Football League where he served in coordinator roles as well as coaching positions for the Cleveland Gladiators, Orlando Predators, Portland Thunder, and served as the defensive coordinator / lineman coach for the Columbus Destroyers in 2019. As a player, Clay was a standout fullback in the AFL who played from 2007-2013 playing for the Cleveland Gladiators, Nashville Kats, Los Angeles Avengers, and Spokane Shock. In 2010, Harrell helped the Shock to an Arena Bowl XXIII victory. Coach Harrell is from Sacramento, CA and spent his college career at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

About the Jacksonville Sharks

The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the National Arena League (NAL). The 2019 & 2017 NAL Champions and ArenaBowl XXIV Champions play all their home games at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena. Sharks Nation Memberships for the 2023 season are now available. To become a Shark Nation member or for more information please call (904) 621-0700. Follow the Sharks on Facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter and Instagram @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at     facebook.com/chumsharks.