1984 USFL - ESPN: Pittsburgh Maulers Fire Teams Head Coach

Описание: The Maulers and coach Joe Pendry struggled through their only year in the league with a 3-15 record. Pendry didn't even make it through the whole year as Ellis Rainsberger took over the helm midway through the season.

The last straw for the Maulers was when Pendry was supposed to have a meeting with management in Youngstown Ohio (after the Maulers lost to the Memphis Showboats in week 10) to discuss the teams issues but he didn't show up. In the end he was fired due to his actions or lack thereof.

Most of the fans in Pittsburgh felt that Pendry's frustration with the mounting losses and the pressures of being a head coach contributed to his demise.

Not even the presence of Heisman Trophy winning running back Mike Rozier could right the Maulers' ship. Pittsburgh only managed victories over the Oakland Invaders and the Washington Federals (twice).

Many of their problems could be blamed on a defense that gave up a league-leading 492 points. Cornerback Jerry Holmes and defensive end Sam Clancy (16 sacks) were two bright spots in a sea of mediocrity. On the offensive end, former Cowboy backup Glen Carano struggled at QB, throwing 19 interceptions to just 13 touchdowns. Wide receiver Greg Anderson caught 63 passes for 994 yards and six TDs.

Despite their pathetic performance, the Maulers managed a respectable showing at the gate and even sold out their first home game against the Birmingham Stallions. Many of the fans came to boo and throw things at Stallions and former Steeler QB Cliff Stoudt, but a sell out is a sell out. Edward Debartolo, father of the owner of the 49ers, was forced to pull the plug, though, when the league announced its move to the fall.