Shock cut ties with coach Keefe

| August 19, 2011 9:00 PM

SPOKANE - Spokane Shock coach Rob Keefe's contract will not be renewed for the 2012 season, the Shock announced Thursday.

Keefe coached the Shock the past two seasons. In 2010, he guided Spokane to a 16-3 record and the ArenaBowl title in the Shock's first season in the Arena Football League, after four years in the arenafootball2 league.

This season, the Shock went 9-10, making the playoffs before losing in the first round at Arizona.

"This was a difficult decision, but it was not based on wins and losses on the field," Shock president Adam Nebeker said. "We appreciate coach Keefe's hard work and dedication and we're proud of the championship he helped bring to Spokane. He is a talented coach and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."

Nebeker added that the search for a new coach will begin immediately.