The Sharks have added another key piece to their coaching staff for their inaugural 2024 season in the Indoor Football League with the re-signing of Assistant Coach Bill Alford earlier this week.

Alford was the Sharks Defensive Back Coach last season. He helped Head Coach Jason Gibson lead their team to a 2023 championship title. 

"Coach Alford is one of the best defensive minds in the game," Coach Gibson said. "His ability to teach, motivate, and get the best out of his players makes him invaluable." Gibson added "Coach Alford demands the players' respect with his hard work and passion to win." 

Alford played college football at Vanderbilt University and professional football for the Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos. Before joining the sideline, he was a member of the inaugural Sharks team on the field in 2010. He was one of only four Sharks players to suit up for each of the team's first four seasons. During his time with the Sharks, he was a team captain and helped the team to their first-ever championship victory in 2011 for Arena Bowl XXIV. In 2014, Bill was named the Defensive Coordinator for the Sharks. Under his tutelage, the Sharks defense was number one in the AFL in completion percentage defense, red zone defense and third down defense.