SoCal Coyotes

The SoCal Coyotes are a non-profit sports leadership organization that also fields a professional developmental football team. As a football team, the Coyotes develop AAA minor-league players for the Arena, Canadian and National Football Leagues, including local talent, as reported by NBC-affiliate KMIR.
As a charitable organization, the Coyotes are frequent contributors, associates and volunteers to organizations such as Boys & Girls Club, YMCA and dozens of area public schools, administering curriculum and donating financial support.
On July 7, 2014, Denver-based The Football Educator named the Coyotes "America's #1 Developmental Pro Football Program."
The Press-Enterprise, an independent news source in Southern California, wrote that "the team's Silver Stretch Run 'n' Shoot offense," inspired by Mouse Davis, mentor of Coyote coach J David Miller "and the pioneer of the modern four-wide offense, has paid great dividends over the Coyotes’ first five seasons."
The SoCal Coyotes ("the Pride of the Desert") is the oldest pro football franchise in the Coachella Valley, and have won more games in their first five seasons of play than any football team in desert history. The Coyotes are dedicated to "changing the culture" of AAA professional football through player mentoring and development, organizational management and service to their community. With offices in greater Palm Springs, California, the Coyotes are 2013 champions of the United Football Alliance League (UFAL) and 2012 champions of the Pac West.
The City of Palm Springs officially sponsors and recognizes the SoCal Coyotes as its professional football team. They currently play their home games 33 miles from downtown Palm Springs in Anza at the field of Hamilton High School. In return, the organization has financially aided the Hamilton High School football program.
Off the field, the Coyotes exhort players to fulfill their human potential. The Coyotes see themselves as "advocates and protectors for those less fortunate, challenged or struggling, and passionate about serving as community role models."
America's Number-One Developmental Program
The Coyotes develop AAA minor-league players for the Arena, Canadian and National Football Leagues, including local talent, as reported by NBC-affiliate KMIR.
In response to NFL executive Troy Vincent, who said the league "must place greater focus on developmental football," TheFootballEducator.com, "went searching for America’s best program. We scoured the country, and it didn’t take us long: Meet the SoCal Coyotes."
Contributing writer and pro scout J.P. Fox wrote that "after quietly tracking them online, and researching their corporate officers, coaches and programs, the Coyotes are a full-blown, transparent ‘machine,’ everything from their intense Run ‘n’ Shoot offensive schemes, to Coyote leadership curriculum, to intake protocol, to how the players eat - even the importance of their tucked-in uniform jerseys on game day."
This widespread coverage of the SoCal Coyote program resulted in Sydney-based ProKick Australia sending the team one of its best prospective NFL punters: Australian rules football player Alex Dunnachie, as reported by NBC affiliate KMIR and mentioned in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Defend the Shield: Faith, Family and Football
The Coyote organization places a priority on faith, fatherhood and family values, and were recognized in September 2013 by the Desert Christian News for “building champions by building men.” Their logo depicts a Coyote 'defending the shield,' which represents faith, family and football.
As a non-profit sports leadership organization, Coyote players must adhere to a strict Player Code of Conduct; Head of Household Work Leadership program (HOWL); and widespread community service.
The team's published mission statement proclaims that "we see every player as an opportunity to plant a tree under whose shade we never intend to sit. Over three seasons, two championships and now thousands reached, we have addressed different cultures, backgrounds, generations and experiences. As Mother Teresa said, 'if you can’t feed a million, start by feeding one.' Among football teams, we are determined to lead the nation in prayer, mentor young men, instill faith-based initiatives in their lives and homes, and challenge them as men."
The Coyotes appeared in December 2013 with WBO Champion Tim Bradley at Indio Middle School for Career Day. Over the 2014 school year, Coyote players appeared before more than 12,000 students in the Palm Springs Unified School District alone, offering leadership curriculum, motivational coaching clinics, and teaching intramural football.
The Coyotes offer their fans a "Bill of Rights," which ensures "a wholesome environment for guests and family and an affordable, first-class entertainment experience."
Spring 2014
In the spring of 2014, the Coyotes made a brief appearance in the Professional Spring American Football League, which gave players valuable game experience and additional opportunity to showcase their talents in a two-game series. League Commissioner Tom Herter called the Coyotes 'the best football team in the league.'
On May 25, 2014, a Palm Springs crowd of 1,383 people — second largest in franchise history — watched the two-time champion SoCal Coyotes defeat the Los Angeles Marauders, 27-25, after leading 27-6 most of the game. Behind a 'Darkside Defense' led by new defensive coordinator Shane Helms, the Coyotes had four sacks, forced five fumbles, one interception and knocked former University of Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier from the game with a broken jaw. The game was covered by ABC television affiliate KESQ and streamed live worldwide by CBS Sports Radio affiliate KXPS.
A week prior, on May 18, 2014, the Coyotes — fielding a defense with five NFL camp prospects — traveled to Los Angeles, where they defeated the Marauders 34-6 at Shappell Stadium in Yorba Linda. The contest left Marauders starting quarterback Kyle Parrish, formerly of the CFL's BC Lions, unable to continue.
In their best two-game performance in history, the Coyotes' 'Darkside Defense' held opponents to 86 yards rushing in 77 attempts, while forcing five fumbles, three interceptions and recording 11 sacks or tackles for loss (TFL). The Coyotes finished their spring preseason run undefeated (2-0), winning by a combined score of 61-31. In two games, quarterback Nate Lewis threw for nearly 600 yards and five touchdowns. Linebacker Robert Caldwell (NC State Wolfpack football) was called up by the NFL's Cleveland Browns, while three more Coyotes were offered Arena Football League contracts.
The Coyotes' spring 2014 season, originally scheduled as a four-game series, was cut to two games by the team's "controversial and head-scratching" expulsion from the PSAFL for "alleged safety violations". The Coyotes subsequently began a legal investigation against PSAFL General Manager Dan Miles. The Press Enterprise took note that "while showcasing their talents for big league scouts, 12 Coyote players were invited to Arena Football League, Canadian Football League or NFL camps in the past year."
'The Sheriff' and 'The Franchise'
Among roughly 800 teams nationwide, quarterback Nate "The Sheriff" Lewis and wide receiver Rashad "The Franchise" Roberts are statistically among the prominent passing tandems in AAA football history. Local media call Lewis a "homegrown" Coyote star, because the 6-6, 235-pound quarterback played collegiately at Dixie State after starring locally at nearby Cathedral City High School.
Roberts, 5-10, 210, was a prep star in Atlanta, Georgia, before playing collegiately at College of the Desert. He earned the nickname "The Franchise" after a 19-touchdown rookie season in 2012, followed by 24 more in spring 2013.
Lewis, the 2012 National Player of the Year, holds all Coyote marks and most AAA records for yards, completions, average yards per completion (15.9), average yards per game (357.7), and touchdowns. Lewis has now thrown for 10,027 yards and 98 touchdowns in 30 complete games as a Coyote.
Roberts, now in his fifth season, holds every club receiving record, most notably 57 career touchdowns, on 233 receptions, for 4,663 yards. In 12 games in the 2013 fall season, he had 75 catches for 1,438 yards and 12 touchdowns, for a 20.23-yards-per-catch average. Over his Coyote career, 'The Franchise' averages a touchdown every third reception.
After his record-setting 2012 season, Lewis became the first Coyote in franchise history to develop into top-tier talent, and the three-time world champion San Jose Sabercats of the Arena Football League signed him to a contract on March 6, 2013. His signing was reported on the AFL corporate website, which also named the SoCal Coyotes program.
Billboards, Mobile 'YAPP,' Media Day, Radio, Coyote TV
The Coyotes have a local, national and international following. Visitors driving in and out of the Coachella Valley on I-10 corridors are greeted by their 'Pride of the Desert' and 'Faith, Family and Football' billboards. Coyote games and coach's shows are broadcast live worldwide via CBS and NBC Sports Radio affiliate KXPS Team 1010 and their mobile 'YAPP.'
The Coyotes publish more than 5,000 photos and stories annually on social media platforms such as Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. On August 21, 2013, the Coyotes held their first-ever preseason 'Media Day,' which drew a sellout crowd at Central Park in Palm Springs, and was covered by local radio, television and print news, including The Desert Sun and KESQ.
Under the direction of Los Angeles filmmaker Spencer Lee, the team launched its own "Coyote TV" channel in 2013, offering game film, highlights and original programming. The Coyotes are featured in an upcoming sports documentary, 'The Mouse That Roars,' on the career of Coyote mentor and football revolutionary Darrel "Mouse" Davis ('Run 'n' Shoot Roots,' below).
The SoCal Coyotes 'Howl & Prowl Coach's Show' is broadcast weekly. Head Coach J David Miller is joined by Matt McKay, "The Voice of the SoCal Coyotes," and analyst Sam Maggio, who is also the team's General Manager.
Based in Palm Desert, KXPS "Team 1010" is the flagship station of the SoCal Coyotes.
Head Coach J David Miller
J David Miller is a AAA Hall of Fame coach, a unanimous 'Class of 2013' inductee for his "ongoing 30-year contribution to the sport as an author, administrator and coach.". He was named Southern California Football Alliance 2013 Offensive Coach of the Year. In 2012, he was named the AAA National Coach of the Year. In three seasons, Miller's Coyote teams are 35-9, with three consecutive bowl appearances, two league titles, and a national champion runner-up. Miller played briefly for the Pittsburgh Gladiators in the Arena Football League under Western PA Hall of Fame head coach Joe Haering.
Miller has written 13 books, including Hawaii Warrior Football: A Story of Faith, Hope and Redemption, with June Jones; Super Agent: The One Book the NFL and NCAA Don't Want You to Read, with former NFL agent Dr. Jerry Argovitz; and Elvis Don't Like Football, with Jerry Glanville.
Run 'n' Shoot Roots, Hawaii Warrior Heart
The Coyotes rely on team consultant Mouse Davis - an NFL, AFL and NCAA veteran coach and godfather of the modern spread offense. The Coyotes have used Davis's Run 'n' Shoot attack to lead three different leagues in total offense, and Davis provides frequent hands-on teaching. The team also draws heavily on its relationships with former NFL coaches such as Jerry Glanville, Joe Haering, and June Jones.
The Coyotes organization uses Hawaii Warrior Football as both a business and coaching model on "how to build and maintain a winning organization."
Offensively, the Coyotes are considered a "pure" Run 'n' Shoot team, based strictly on the disciplines and concepts of Davis, whose theories date back to 1962. There is never a tight end, or fullback. For the most part, the Coyotes use the 1985 Denver Gold (USFL) playbook, with modern modifications and notes from Davis.
Several players from the June Jones-era of Hawaii's 2007 Sugar Bowl run became Coyotes. They include tackle Aaron Kia and kicker Dan Kelly, the third-leading scorer in University of Hawaii history, as reported in the Honolulu Star Advertiser.
2014 AAA Football Hall of Fame Awards & Bowl
he 2014 AAA Hall of Fame Awards & Bowl was held in Palm Springs, the first time in 20 years the event had been held outside of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Coyotes head coach J David Miller and center Brian "Porkchop" Gollnick were among 22 Class of 2013 inductees. During the ceremony, Run 'n' Shoot godfather Mouse Davis—the event's keynote speaker—was also enshrined. Hall of Fame officials called the 2014 awards the best in the event's 20-year history.
The All-Star game was played before a sell-out crowd of 1,216 at College of the Desert. It was the first AAA game ever played at the university stadium, and the first sell-out in AAA Hall of Fame Bowl history. CBS-NBC Radio affiliate KXPS Team 1010 streamed both the event and the game live to an international audience.
Historic 2012 Catalina Kickoff Classic Champions
On December 8, 2012, the SoCal Coyotes became the first professional home football team to ever play in Avalon on Catalina Island, 26 miles off the California coast. The Coyotes, who had outscored teams that season 251-90, defeated a SoCal Elite team made up largely of Division I talent 56-8.
Lewis found Rashad ‘The Franchise' Roberts six times in the first half, for completions of 12, 16, 13, and 19 and 67 yards en route to a 38-0 halftime lead. Miller later would be criticized by Run 'n' Shoot purists, who argued that Lewis would have broken every single-game passing record had the coach allowed his star quarterback to play the second half.
2012 Pac West Champions, National Runner-Up, Spring 2013
In 2012, the expansion Coyotes won their first playoff game in history with a 31-7 victory over San Diego to advance to the Pac West Football League championship with a 10-1 record. During the regular season, they had won by scores of 50-0, 58-8, and 48-22, but in the Pac West Championship game faced the Sin City Saints, a team that had surrendered only 35 points all season.
Quarterback Nate Lewis threw for 294 yards and Rashad "The Franchise" Roberts scored four times in the first half as the Coyotes jumped out to a 35-14 lead. S-back David "The Diesel" Cathcart rushed for a team record 209 yards on 22 carries. Lewis would finish with 31 completions in 42 attempts for 378 yards. The Coyotes won, 49-35.
The 10-1 Coyotes advanced to the national championship against the New Mexico Titans in Las Vegas, where they lost by a field goal in the game's last minute. The Coyotes had dedicated their season to Davis, and the innovator joined them on their sidelines in full Coyote coaching regalia, as reported in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Davis and Lewis would appear the next day in a color photo on the front page of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
In 2012, the Coyotes amassed 5,212 total yards. Playing back-to-back seasons, the Coyotes finished second in the Wild West League in spring 2013, with a record of 10-3, and continued to break records with 4,154 total yards. Three players reached Arena League tryouts, and Lewis signed a pro contract.
2012 AAA National All-Star Game
In 2012, quarterback Nate Lewis was named National Player of the Year and Miller Coach of the Year by the Western Football News. In the National All-Star Game in Las Vegas, Lewis threw for a game-record 351 yards and three touchdowns, two to Rashad Roberts, to lead the West to a 26-6 upset victory. Lewis was named Most Valuable Player, and Roberts was awarded Offensive Player of the Game. Colorado All-Star Mondo Delgado Jr. caught the third touchdown, and was so enamored with the Run 'n' Shoot he would sign and play with the Coyotes in 2013.
Miller coached the West and earned his first All-Star victory, and afterward dedicated the win and his career to Davis.

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