Team Personnel and Roster Breakdown
A successful sports organization relies on a structured hierarchy, blending strategic leadership in the front office with tactical execution on the field. From the ownership level to the practice squad, every role is critical in maintaining the competitive edge of the team.
Front Office Leadership
The organizational foundation is managed by the front office, which handles the business and personnel acquisitions necessary to build a winning squad. This leadership team is headed by Gerald Phipps, who serves as the Team Owner and Chairman of the Board, and Allan R Phipps, the Team President. Supporting them is Fred Gehrke, the Director of Player Personnel, who oversees the identification and recruitment of talent.
Coaching Staff
The bridge between management and the players is the coaching staff. The team is led by Lou Saban, who holds the dual responsibility of General Manager and Head Coach.
Offensive Coaching Unit
The offensive strategy is divided into specialized roles to optimize scoring and field position:
- Hunter Enis: Offensive Backfield
- Sam Rutigliano: Offensive Receivers
- Whitey Dovell: Offensive Line
Defensive Coaching Unit
The defensive unit focuses on stopping the opponent through a coordinated effort across the line and the secondary:
- Stan Jones: Defensive Line
- Dick MacPherson: Defensive Linebackers
- Joe Collier: Defensive Backfield
Player Roster
The roster is composed of specialized athletes categorized by their positions on the field. The offensive unit is led by quarterbacks such as Pete Liske, Alan Pastrana, and Steve Tensi, supported by a versatile group of running backs including Floyd Little and Henry Jones.
The receiving corps consists of wide receivers like John Embree and Al Denson, alongside tight ends Tom Beer, Tom Buckman, and Dave Pivec. The offensive line, responsible for protecting the quarterback and opening lanes, features players such as Jay Bachman and Sam Brunelli.
On the defensive side, the line is anchored by Rich Jackson and Walt Barnes. The linebackers, including Ken Criter and John Huard, provide the middle-field defense, while the defensive backfield—featuring George Burrell and Charlie Greer—guards against the pass.
| Category | Key Personnel / Positions |
|---|---|
| Executive Leadership | Gerald Phipps (Owner), Allan R Phipps (President) |
| Head Coach/GM | Lou Saban |
| Offensive Core | QB, RB, WR, TE, OL |
| Defensive Core | DL, LB, DB |
| Special Teams | Kicker (Bobby Howfield) |
Key Facts
- Dual Role: Lou Saban serves as both the General Manager and the Head Coach.
- Ownership: The team is owned by Gerald Phipps.
- Specialized Coaching: The staff is split into distinct offensive and defensive units.
- Roster Depth: The team maintains a practice squad (Dick Davis) and a reserve list for injured players (IR).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the owner of the team?
The Team Owner and Chairman of the Board is Gerald Phipps.
Who manages the day-to-day football operations?
Lou Saban manages the team in his capacity as both General Manager and Head Coach.
Which coaches are responsible for the defense?
The defensive staff includes Stan Jones (Defensive Line), Dick MacPherson (Defensive Linebackers), and Joe Collier (Defensive Backfield).
Who handles the kicking duties for special teams?
Bobby Howfield is the designated kicker (K) for the special teams unit.
What is the status of players on the reserve list?
Players on the reserve list, such as Fred Forsberg and Tom Oberg, are designated as IR, which typically stands for Injured Reserve.