Doug Plank wrapped up his fourth season as head coach of the Georgia Force in 2008. In his first four seasons as Georgia’s head coach, he has led the Force to a 47-25 (.653) overall record and a trip to ArenaBowl XIX in 2005. Under Plank’s guidance, Georgia has made four consecutive playoff appearances and has won three Southern Division Championships. Plank has posted a 43-21 (.672) regular season record in his first four seasons with the Force. His 43 victories are the most by any head coach in their first four years on the job in AFL history. Since joining the club in 2005, the team has tallied a 29-8 (.784) overall record at home, including two playoff wins in ’05 and one in ’07.

He will spend the 2007 NFL season as a Coaching Assistant with the Atlanta Falcons, where he will help with special teams, defensive backs, linebackers and other special projects. It marks the first time in Plank’s coaching career that he will be a full-time member of an NFL coaching staff after spending eight seasons (1975-83) as a safety for the Chicago Bears.

Last year, Plank orchestrated arguably his best coaching effort in his four seasons as he led Georgia to a 10-6 record and their second consecutive Southern Division Championship. The team was riddled with injuries throughout the season and as a result the Force dressed 41 different players in the regular season, including 13 different starters in the secondary, but Plank managed to guide the Force to their third division title in four seasons. Under the direction of Plank, Georgia is the only team to win the Southern Division on multiple occasions and they are the only team in the National Conference to win their division three out of the last four seasons.

The two-time AFL Coach of the Year (2005 and 2007) continued to add to his impressive coaching resume in ‘07 as he assembled a Force team that finished with a franchise-best 14-2 record. Georgia finished the regular season with a perfect 8-0 record against Southern Division opponents and an unblemished 8-0 mark at Philips Arena en route to their second Southern Division Championship in three seasons. The 8-0 record against Southern Division opponents marked the first time in AFL history a team swept the Southern Division. The Force also recorded a franchise-best 6-2 record on the road during the regular season. Plank earned his second AFL Coach of the Year award in three seasons due to Georgia’s remarkable regular season.

In his second season as Georgia’s head coach, Plank and the Force finished with an 8-8 mark and their second consecutive playoff berth. Plank secured his third playoff win in two seasons when the Force defeated New York in their Wild Card Game. His opportunistic defense returned seven interceptions for touchdowns during the regular season. The seven returns are a franchise-high and tied an AFL record.

Plank was voted AFL Coach of the Year after leading the Force to a league best 11-5 regular season record and a 13-6 overall record in his first season as an AFL head coach. The 11-5 mark was the best record in franchise history at the time and secured the Force’s first Southern Division Championship and the number one seed in the playoffs. The Force went on to win the inaugural National Conference Championship game by defeating the Orlando Predators.  The victory secured Georgia’s place in ArenaBowl XIX.

While playing for legendary coach Woody Hayes, Plank played in three consecutive Rose Bowls (1973-75) for The Ohio State University. His physical style of play and knowledge of the game paved the way for Plank to continue his playing career with the Chicago Bears.

Plank brings with him a wealth of football experience that includes an impressive career in the NFL. He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 12th round of the 1975 NFL draft and started at safety for eight seasons. The “46 Defense” created by Buddy Ryan was named for Plank's jersey number and aggressive style of play. Plank was also the first Bears rookie to ever lead the team in tackles.