SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane Shock made a big hire this weekend with a new head coach who will also serve as the team’s defensive coordinator.
In a press release Sunday morning, Shock CEO Sam Adams announced Cedric Walker as the team’s new head coach and defensive coordinator.
Walker is a two-time Arena Bowl Champion. During his 10-season career, he played for six different AFL teams including the Orlando Predators, Arizona Rattlers, Indiana Firebirds, Chicago Rush, Austin Wranglers and Las Vegas Gladiators. Walker completed 522 solo tackles in his career.
According to Adams, Walker started coaching after his retirement as a player. He started as a defensive coordinator for the Bakersfield Blitz and the Green Bay Blizzard. During his time with the Blitz, the team allowed the second-fewest points of any AF2 team that season and his defensive line lead the league in sacks.
The Spokane Shock ended its 2021 season with six wins and seven loses. They were eliminated from for the IFL playoffs in late August. This was their first season since 2015. Their first game of the 2022 season will take place at the Spokane Arena on March 18 against the Massachusetts Pirates.