Portland Pythons Announce GM, Hire Co-GM, Trade for Applehort
Pichael Thompson, March 25th, 2017
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Rolando Pennywhistle brandishing his national championship ring at his introductory press conference
PORTLAND -- After staying silent throughout most of the off-season to this point, the Portland Pythons announced a handful of potentially franchise changing decisions in a matter of minutes today. After General Manager Rashaad Brooks, who has led the Pythons for the past three seasons, announced he was stepping down, there was a great deal of concern as to how the Portland Pythons would replace him. Brooks has been a stalwart for the Pythons organization with the team compiling record of 31-11 to go with an Ultimini Trophy during his tenure. He was also renowned by former players and DSFL cohorts for his ability to connect with and develop players. We now know that Rolando Pennywhistle, the Python's Co-General Manager from this past season, will be stepping into the very large shoes left behind by Brooks. According to information obtained from members of the team's front office, Pennywhistle was all but running the Pythons organization over the final weeks of the season in preparation for the transfer of leadership. The team's new GM has made stops in the front offices of the Kansas City Coyotes and New Orleans Second Line prior to his time with Portland. Pennywhistle is also a big proponent of using analytics for decision making and has the football background to convey those concepts in a relatable way. These were two key factors in Rashaad Brooks' decision to hire Rolando Pennywhistle as Jon Wachter's replacement and likely factored into the team's comfort with Pennywhistle going forward.
Following the installation of Rolando Pennywhistle as the team’s new front office leader, the Pythons announced the name of Pennywhistle’s new right hand man. After several weeks of discussions, the team was able to convince the former Assistant General Manager of the Colorado Yeti, John Gruden, to come to Portland. Gruden brings two seasons of experience at the NSFL level in a similar role and was last consulting as a game strategist with the San Antonio Marshals. Gruden’s time with the Yeti was short lived as he was part of a two season run that saw the team finish last in the NSFC twice with a combined record of 4-24. For all of his struggles, the team’s 3-11 finish in the NSFL’s third season is the Yeti’s best in the past four seasons. The Yeti have been in the midst of a long-term rebuild of sorts, so the expectation is that Gruden will bring extensive scouting experience to the team in addition to his game planning responsibilities.
The Pythons’ final announcement of the day was a less expected one, as Portland struck a deal with the San Antonio Marshals to acquire quarterback Ryan Applehort. In return, Portland is sending their second round pick in next seasons draft, conditional on Applehort playing eight or fewer NSFL games next season. This deal came as a surprise to most who follow the Pythons, as the team shifted full-time quarterback responsibilities to Cole McCoy late last season and into the playoffs. According to new General Manager Rolando Pennywhistle, the team fully intends on playing both quarterbacks next season, adding that “Both Applehort and McCoy have varying strengths that we expect to contribute to a dynamic passing attack. We are confident that there will be ample playing time for both players and that we are a better football team after this trade,” and going on to say “We have had conversations with both Cole McCoy and Ryan Applehort and recognize the possibility that either or both players end up on an NSFL team next season. That being said, we believe that this trade provides us our best chance at protection from beginning next season without a signal caller and will have no qualms if we go into next season with two.” Many expected this move from San Antonio after they turned their own quarterback position over to Mike Vick during their path to the Ultimini Championship. Some scouts have expressed concerns about Applehort’s accuracy, but he has drawn rave reviews for his pocket presence and arm strength. McCoy, on the other hand, played more of a game manager role for the team last season and was one of the DSFL’s most accurate quarterbacks. While this balancing act will be a difficult one for any team, these two quarterbacks have skillsets that should play off of each other and allow for the successful execution of a two quarterback offense, should both players be with Portland next season.
Pichael Thompson, March 25th, 2017
Rolando Pennywhistle brandishing his national championship ring at his introductory press conference
PORTLAND -- After staying silent throughout most of the off-season to this point, the Portland Pythons announced a handful of potentially franchise changing decisions in a matter of minutes today. After General Manager Rashaad Brooks, who has led the Pythons for the past three seasons, announced he was stepping down, there was a great deal of concern as to how the Portland Pythons would replace him. Brooks has been a stalwart for the Pythons organization with the team compiling record of 31-11 to go with an Ultimini Trophy during his tenure. He was also renowned by former players and DSFL cohorts for his ability to connect with and develop players. We now know that Rolando Pennywhistle, the Python's Co-General Manager from this past season, will be stepping into the very large shoes left behind by Brooks. According to information obtained from members of the team's front office, Pennywhistle was all but running the Pythons organization over the final weeks of the season in preparation for the transfer of leadership. The team's new GM has made stops in the front offices of the Kansas City Coyotes and New Orleans Second Line prior to his time with Portland. Pennywhistle is also a big proponent of using analytics for decision making and has the football background to convey those concepts in a relatable way. These were two key factors in Rashaad Brooks' decision to hire Rolando Pennywhistle as Jon Wachter's replacement and likely factored into the team's comfort with Pennywhistle going forward.
Following the installation of Rolando Pennywhistle as the team’s new front office leader, the Pythons announced the name of Pennywhistle’s new right hand man. After several weeks of discussions, the team was able to convince the former Assistant General Manager of the Colorado Yeti, John Gruden, to come to Portland. Gruden brings two seasons of experience at the NSFL level in a similar role and was last consulting as a game strategist with the San Antonio Marshals. Gruden’s time with the Yeti was short lived as he was part of a two season run that saw the team finish last in the NSFC twice with a combined record of 4-24. For all of his struggles, the team’s 3-11 finish in the NSFL’s third season is the Yeti’s best in the past four seasons. The Yeti have been in the midst of a long-term rebuild of sorts, so the expectation is that Gruden will bring extensive scouting experience to the team in addition to his game planning responsibilities.
The Pythons’ final announcement of the day was a less expected one, as Portland struck a deal with the San Antonio Marshals to acquire quarterback Ryan Applehort. In return, Portland is sending their second round pick in next seasons draft, conditional on Applehort playing eight or fewer NSFL games next season. This deal came as a surprise to most who follow the Pythons, as the team shifted full-time quarterback responsibilities to Cole McCoy late last season and into the playoffs. According to new General Manager Rolando Pennywhistle, the team fully intends on playing both quarterbacks next season, adding that “Both Applehort and McCoy have varying strengths that we expect to contribute to a dynamic passing attack. We are confident that there will be ample playing time for both players and that we are a better football team after this trade,” and going on to say “We have had conversations with both Cole McCoy and Ryan Applehort and recognize the possibility that either or both players end up on an NSFL team next season. That being said, we believe that this trade provides us our best chance at protection from beginning next season without a signal caller and will have no qualms if we go into next season with two.” Many expected this move from San Antonio after they turned their own quarterback position over to Mike Vick during their path to the Ultimini Championship. Some scouts have expressed concerns about Applehort’s accuracy, but he has drawn rave reviews for his pocket presence and arm strength. McCoy, on the other hand, played more of a game manager role for the team last season and was one of the DSFL’s most accurate quarterbacks. While this balancing act will be a difficult one for any team, these two quarterbacks have skillsets that should play off of each other and allow for the successful execution of a two quarterback offense, should both players be with Portland next season.
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