'86 Chronology-Sumner Ousted

Event Date: April 21st, 1986

Event Description: Sumner Fired

Source: Football News

The winless Oakland Invaders announced Sunday that assistant coach Fred Biletnikoff would take over the head coaching responsibilities for the remainder of the1986 season.

Biletnikoff, 46, will replace current head coach Charlie Sumner who was relieved of his duties after this weeks' loss to Denver. The change came as little surprise as the club has an 0-9 record. 

Team president Tad Taube said, the new Invaders mentor has had success with the Oakland Raiders as a player and has vast pro experience in both the NFL and CFL.

Taube said Biletnikoff will keep the majority of the coach staff intact with some minor changes. Those include MacArthur Lane taking over as offensive coordinator and Lary Kuharich taking on the receivers responsibilities.

Sumner's coaching career began in 1963 as an assistant with the Oakland Raiders. He stayed on the staff through the 1968 season and then moved on to Pittsburgh. He was with the Steelers from 1969 to 1972 and then moved on to be the New England Patriots linebacker coach from 1973-78.

He rejoined the Raiders in 1979 and was with the team until his signing by the Invaders.

more to come......