'84 Chronology-Goldfinger

Event Date: July 19th, 1984

Event Description:  Gold Ready to Run

Source: United Press International

Denver Gold owner Doug Spedding introduced his new head coach, Darrel “Mouse” Davis, to Colorado with a promise to fans they would never leave a game disappointed.

The USFL team might not always be a winner, but with the run-and-gun offensive attack that Davis has made his trademark, it always will provide excitement, Spedding said.

His comments came at a news conference where he formally announced the selection of Davis, former offensive coordinator of the Houston Gamblers, as new head coach of the Gold.

Spedding took verbal aim at the other football team in town, the NFL Denver Broncos, in his comments regarding the new coach. Davis replaces former Bronco quarterback Craig Morton, who was fired as head coach of the Gold at the end of this past season.

“When's the last time this city had a football team that could play offense?’” asked Spedding, who has been searching for a new coach since he dumped Morton last month.

"I've been here 15 years and never seen it. But I will now. I like a guy whose team can score 600 points a season. If you get beat 44-41, you walk out of the stadium and don't even feel bad."

Davis signed a two-year contract with the Gold that gives him full control of all team personnel moves.

"He doesn't even have to tell me what he's doing,” said Spedding. “But I've asked him to let me know what's going on so everybody stays happy.”

Davis, 51, the author of the 'run-and-shoot' offense, served as offensive coordinator for Toronto in the Canadian Football League in 1982 before joining the Gamblers.

He also was offensive coordinator and later head coach at Portland State University which led the nation in passing and total offense for six consecutive seasons while he was there.

Spedding said the selection of Davis was somewhat of a gamble since he has never been a head coach at the professional level.

“But I feel good about it,” he insisted. “There were a lot of more experienced guys on my list, but because Mouse has never had the chance, I really think he's going to give it hell. He wants this chance.”

Story-(UPI)