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Patrick Hockers is accepting a new role for the 2009 season as he was named the Green Bay Gladiators head coach. Hockers, who was the Gladiators’ defensive coordinator last season, was hired Tuesday over five other interviewing candidates.

The 44-year-old is the first hired head coach since Brian Schultz resigned from the position in 2006 after going 0-4 to start the inaugural season. Hockers takes over the reigns of the team after the Gladiators went 3-5 last season; a team that narrowly missed out on the playoffs.

Team president Nathan Smithson is enthusiastic about the recent hiring.

“We believe that he has the knowledge and experience, from middle school through semi-pro, that is needed to bring the Gladiators to the next level,” Smithson said.

“He built a solid rapport with the players last year, and I know they are excited about the hiring as well.”

Vice president Marcos Alfaro echoes Smithson’s statement.

“The hiring of Coach Hockers will make us championship contenders next year. His passion for the game is contagious.”

Hockers was in charge of one of the most dynamic defenses in the NEFL. Four defensive starters were named to the NEFL All-Star team, and all four had started that game. Safety Jonathan Smith led the league in punt return average, and touchdown returns. Defensive end Juan Heredia led all defensive ends in tackles, and middle linebacker Will Dicke led the Eastern Conference in tackles as well.