Avengers fold AFL franchise

Posted Apr 20, 2009 by Adam Adkins

Updated Apr 20, 2009 at 12:31 PM

The Los Angeles Avengers have ceased operations after nine seasons, meaning former Storm player and assistant coach Pat O’Hara’s first head coaching job has ended - before it even really got started.

According to a story in the Los Angeles Times, Avengers owner Casey Wasserman sent an email Saturday to notify new acting commissioner Jim Renacci of the decision to fold the franchise.

“The LA Avengers has terminated its participation in the Arena Football League,” a statement on the Avengers’ official team site reads. “The entire Avengers organization extends heartfelt thanks to the fans who cheered on their team, it was their faithful support that kept the Avengers vibrant and energized for nearly a decade.”

O’Hara, who played and coached for the Tampa Bay Storm, was hired as Los Angeles’ new head coach in July. It was O’Hara’s first head coaching job, and a homecoming for the southern California native.

O’Hara was able to formulate a staff, but never got the chance to serve in his new capacity during a game. The AFL suspended operations in December prior to his first season, and the league has been left in limbo since while trying to come up with a new business model.