Staff

Coaches

Kurt Bryan

Head Football Coach

Inaugural Oakland Panthers Head Coach, Kurt Bryan enters his 28^th year of coaching football, after having served as a high school and collegiate football coach in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California for nearly three decades. Recognized as an innovator by his peers at every level of the game as Co-creator of the A-11 Offense in 2007, in addition to media outlets reporting on the evolutionary benefits of the A-11; Bryan has helped to advance the game into its future with improving player-safety by design and significantly expanding the game’s options using fully interchangeable offensive players.

Bryan’s primary goal as the head coach of the Panthers is to develop Oakland’s new indoor professional football team into an exciting, premier destination franchise for football fans to eagerly support and one that talented players will aspire to join.

Bryan is a 1988 graduate of the California State University at Chico with a degree in Communications. Bryan’s NCAA coaching experience began as an offensive assistant at Chico State University in 1984-85. He worked as the TE/WR/DB coach at Menlo College, Atherton, CA from 1997-99, and in 2000-02, as the WR Coach at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA.

During his eleven-years as a high school head coach, Bryan’s teams earned playoff berths in 1993, 1995 and 2006-09, including the 1995 ACCAL championship season. Bryan was awarded ACCAL Coach of the Year honors in 1993 & 1995, and in 2007 as BSAL Co-coach of the Year. As the head coach at Arroyo High School, San Lorenzo, CA in 2017-18, Bryan was selected as the Oakland Raiders high school Coach of the Week - October 3^rd, 2018. Twice, Bryan was the head coach at Piedmont High School, Piedmont, CA from 1993-96 and 2006-10.

He worked as the Passing Game Coordinator at Chico High School in 1986, the Offensive Coordinator for Piedmont 1987-92, and as Offensive Coordinator at Livermore High 2004-5. Bryan has been a featured speaker at coaching clinics around the country. Most of all, Bryan enjoys teaching his football players about life’s valuable lessons through the game of football.

Kurt is married to Dolly, and they have two adult children, Roxanne and Parker. Also, Bryan is an author of three books; two football suspense novels, The Game Breaker & The Double Move. Bryan’s first non-fiction book, Fate Came Calling was released in April 2019. Bryan has co-authored several manuals on the A-11 Offense with Co-creator, Steve Humphries.

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Derrick Chachere

Defensive Coordinator/LB

With his deep experience playing and coaching indoor professional football, and as the first player to score a touchdown, and participate in the first QB sack for the San Jose Sabercats of the former Arena Football League, Derrick Chachere adds tremendous value to the Panthers coaching staff. Chachere played Linebacker in 1994 for the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League and was a standout member of the University of Nevada-Reno’s football team and track program.

Chachere is a 1992 graduate of UNR with a degree in Liberal Arts. From 1995-2000, he was a LB/FB for the Sabercats, and for the Buffalo Destroyers 2000-02. He also qualified for the 1988 Olympic qualifiers in Track & Field for the Javelin and is a 2013 Inductee for the West Hills Community College Hall of Fame.

His indoor coaching experience includes being the Defensive Coordinator for the New York Dragons 2004-05, and Defensive Coordinator of the Arizona Rattlers 2005. Chachere was a Defensive Coach for the Sabercats in 2006, and Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator for the Central Valley Coyotes 2007-09. Chachere was also an assistant coach in the central valley at San Joaquin Memorial and Clovis-West high schools, and head coach for Roosevelt High School 2014-15.

Derrick is married to Romy, and they have five adult sons, Mitchell, Derrick Jr., Marcus, Andre, Dante, and two grandsons, Micaiah and Dredyn.

Panthers Head Coach, Kurt Bryan explains, “When I began looking for a top-notch Defensive Coordinator and talking to experienced coaches I trust, Derrick’s name kept coming up as the person I should definitely meet with. I have total confidence in Derrick’s ability to teach our players how to be outstanding performers and leaders, on and off the field.”

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Steven Millard

Strength & Conditioning Specialist

Delivering 35-years of sports performance training. Steven designs and implements sport-specific programs based on enhancing the speed, agility, flexibility, and strength of each athlete he trains. Steven Millard’s expertise will be of great benefit to every Panthers player he mentors as the franchise’s Strength & Conditioning Specialist.

In addition to serving as the Strength & Conditioning Specialist for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League from 1993-98, Millard has operated his own very successful sports performance training business for over three decades. Millard and his group of outstanding trainers have personally helped to increase the speed, power, agility, and endurance of numerous NCAA and professional athletes in football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and soccer.

Steven was also a nationally ranked powerlifter with the American Drug-Free Powerlifting Association. He held 3 California state deadlift records.

Millard has also operated as the Executive Director of multiple Alzheimer’s Dementia owned companies, and he works tirelessly to help the families afflicted by the devastating disease.

Steven has 4 children and 5 grandchildren. He is immensely proud of his family.

“Finding the right Strength & Conditioning Specialist was crucial for our franchise and hiring such an outstanding and highly-qualified person such as Steven was a huge win for us. He brings remarkable expertise and passion to the position, and he will physically develop every Panthers player to compete at the highest level.”

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Jon Shaefer

Offensive Line & Long Snappers Coach

Possessing over 25 years of youth, high school, and collegiate football experience. Offensive Line and Long Snapper Coach, Jon Shaefer brings a wealth of expertise to the Panthers. Born and raised in Manteca, CA, Shaefer was an all-league / all-area QB/DB for Manteca High School, and QB for San Joaquin Delta College 1982-84 before receiving a scholarship to Washburn University as QB/Long Snapper. Shaefer’s NFL playing experience includes being a Free Agent Long Snapper for the San Francisco 49ers XXIX Super Bowl Champions. He was a Free Agent QB/Long Snapper for the 1987 Cleveland Browns.

Shaefer’s coaching experience includes nearly two decades as Head Coach for the Manteca High frosh football program 1995-2014. Under Shaefer, his teams won nearly a dozen league titles, including three (10-0) seasons. The incredibly solid foundation built by Shaefer at Manteca was critical in the long-term success enjoyed by their entire football program which included four Sac-Joaquin Section Championships during Shaefer’s tenure. Shaefer served as an Assistant Offensive Coordinator for San Joaquin Delta College in 1981. His expertise transcends football, as Shaefer was a Founding Partner and Director of Facilities for In-Shape Health Clubs, Inc. (69 locations throughout CA). Shaefer is a former City of Manteca Police Officer and S.W.A.T. team member. Supplemental to his Administration of Justice Degree, Shaefer has his California Lifetime Specialized Teaching Credential and was an Adjunct Professor for San Joaquin Delta College. Shaefer is the father of four adult children, Lauren, Taylor, Erika, and Jonathan.

Panthers Head Coach, Kurt Bryan conveyed, “Jon is a hallmark member of our staff. He is a world-class problem solver. He is bold and yet humble. I have worked closely with him for several years on a variety of projects, and without a doubt, he will make our OL and Long Snappers the best they can be in every regard.”

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Mario Thornton

Wide Receivers Coach

Panthers Wide Receivers Coach, Mario Thornton was raised in Los Angeles, CA and played WR at Pierce City College 1976-79, before coming north to play WR for the Spartans of San Jose State University 1979-83. Thornton’s a veteran coach, and strength & conditioning expert with more than 15-years of combined high school experience in the East Bay at Mt. Eden, Saint Mary’s, Piedmont, Skyline, Bishop O’Dowd and American, in addition to his head coaching tenure at Oakland High 2005-06. Thornton is a retired City of Oakland Police Officer and an active member in the community. Mario has an adult son, Daniel.

“Mario was a great Receivers Coach for us at Piedmont during the zenith of the A-11 era and afterward. He is diligent and a great teacher. He has a realistic view of life and understands the challenges young adults face daily. Best of all, the players respond to him very well.” Adds, Panthers Head Coach, Kurt Bryan.

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Pete Johansson

Special Teams Coordinator/Utility Coach/Community Liaison

Owning more than 20-years of football coaching experience throughout the East Bay and Northern California, Pete Johansson will oversee the Panthers Special Teams. Johansson played WR and DB for UC Santa Barbara and is a 1984 graduate of UCSB with a Political Science degree. Johansson coached both sides of the ball in 2018 and 2019 at Mt. Shasta High School and was a strategic consultant, scout, and analyst for numerous Bay Area high schools 2009-17. In 2004-07, his roles were QB/WR Coach and Passing Game Coordinator at Berkeley High.

From 1991-2000, Johansson coached at Piedmont High School, including 1993-96 working on both sides of the ball on Kurt Bryan’s staff. In 1989-90, he coached WR’s for Alameda High. Pete is married to Melisa, and they have two rescue dogs, Meloso and Foxxy.

“Pete has a key role, in addition to coordinating special teams, he will collaborate with our coaching staff to integrate their community-based efforts into each of their assigned markets.” Said Panthers Head Coach, Kurt Bryan.

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Anthony Freeman

Defensive Backs Coach

Longtime Albany resident, and former collegiate and high school football standout and coach, Anthony Freeman is the Defensive Backs Coach for the Panthers. After starring at Albany High as RB/MLB/DB and Kick Returner, Freeman took his talents to Laney College 1980-81 and excelled as a Free Safety, Punter and Kick Returner, before moving up to the University of the Pacific to play Cornerback, Strong Safety and Punter 1982-83. Freeman graduated from UOP in 1985 with a degree in Political Science.

Freeman began coaching as the DB Coach at Laney College 1986-87, before returning to coach at Albany for 15-years, including as the Cougars Head Coach from 1994-2005. In 2007, Freeman joined the Piedmont staff as DB & RB Coach and totaled 6-years as a Highlanders coach. He also served as the Head Coach of the Kennedy Eagles 2009-10.

Anthony is a very successful entrepreneur, having started and built his excellent Freeman Insurances Services company into a multi-state brokerage. Anthony is married to Vivian, and they have three adult sons, Philip, Bruce, and Jamel.

“Before Anthony and I ever worked together at Piedmont, I always admired and respected him for what he accomplished at Albany and throughout northern California. The Panthers are very fortunate to have him on board, he is a first-rate man and incredibly gifted coach.” Remarked Panthers Head Coach, Kurt Bryan.

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Kerry Soppet

Quarterbacks Coach

Accumulating more than a dozen years of coaching and coordinating on the offensive side of the ball, Kerry Soppet will serve as QB/RB Coach for the Panthers. Soppet played QB and Safety at Amador Valley High 1976-79, and at Ohlone Junior College 1980. Soppet was invited to walk-on at the University of Hawaii and Oregon State before choosing Vanderbilt University, but a previous injury ended his career. Soppet’s teaching of the offensive backfield throughout the east bay includes stints at Arroyo High School 2018-19, and through 2007-16 at Las Lomas, Dublin, Dougherty Valley, and San Ramon Valley.

Kerry is married to Jacqueline and they have three adult children, Ali, Dani, and Sean.

Panthers Head Coach, Kurt Bryan expressed, “Kerry is one of the sharpest offensive minds I’ve worked with; he absorbs concepts rapidly and teaches with great patience and focused energy.”

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Kevin Tracy, Sr.

Defensive Line Coach

With more than a decade tutoring and coaching linemen to excel at Antioch and Arroyo High Schools, Panthers Defensive Line Coach, Kevin Tracy, Sr. is poised to lead his group to become the best 3-man front in the IFL. Tracy’s fearless and caring, but no-nonsense approach in mentoring athletes stems from his wanting to help them grow into great players and first-class citizens. Tracy served in the United States Army as an Infantry soldier between 1986 - 1989 and then went on to become a Deputy for Alameda County Sheriff from 1992 - 2016.

Kevin is married to Kim, and they have three adult children, Khristina, Kevin, Jr., and Keith.

Said Panthers Head Coach, Kurt Bryan, “Kevin is relentless in his pursuit of excellence, not only for himself but for his group of players as well. His ability to persevere against all odds and never find an excuse to fail is awesome, and his unyielding desire to excel at all times is great.”

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Jan Hanley

Tight Ends Coach

Jan Hanley brings more than 19-years of football coaching experience in the east bay as the Tight Ends Coach for the Panthers. Hanley has been an active and steady Varsity assistant coach and Defensive Coordinator, and JV Head Coach, having worked with former excellent NFL players and a Hall of Fame inductee on high school staffs at Livermore, Valley Christian in Dublin, and Arroyo. Hanley’s football strategies, proven ability to adjust and adapt, collaborative teamwork-oriented approach and resilient leadership qualities allow him to get the best from his players throughout the rigors of the season. Jan is married to Beth, and they have two adult sons, Chad and Aaron.

“I’ve had the pleasure to work with Jan on two occasions in different eras, and without a doubt his temperament, communication skills and ability to teach are first-rate. In the IFL, we will find ways to utilize the Tight End position within the rules, and I look forward to creating new schemes and ideas with Jan to maximize our options.” Panthers Head Coach, Kurt Bryan stated.

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Mark Miller

Coaching Specialist Hand-to-Hand Technique

Mark Miller (Samurai Football Coach) has studied martial arts since 1975, which includes a 2nd-degree black belt in Aikido and a blue belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. In the 1990s, he combined his passions to create the Samurai Football system of individual hand-to-hand leveraging techniques within the game of football. In 2007, Miller was hired by Kurt Bryan at Piedmont and spent four years on his staff. In addition to the high school players and coaches Miller has worked with, he has instructed numerous outstanding players and coaches in the NFL and NCAA.

Panthers Head Coach, Kurt Bryan said, “Mark is unmatched is his individual combat methods, and once the coaches and players understand his system, it raises their game to a new level.”

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Peter Schneider

Director of Player Personnel

Emailpschni@yahoo.com

With his passion for the game of football and his ability to develop streamlined recruiting systems for a variety of businesses and sports organizations, Peter Schneider brings his positive leadership style to the Panthers as its Director of Player Personnel. Schneider was a record-breaking Wide Receiver at Piedmont High School (Class of 2001), as well as the Biletnikoff Award winner for the Bay Area in 2001. He then went onto play football at Colgate University in 2001-02. Schneider returned to Piedmont as an assistant coach under Kurt Bryan 2007-09 and served as QB Coach in the A-11 Offense. He moved up to work as a Graduate Assistant for the Kickers/Punters at Robert Morris University in Chicago 2011.

As the Director of Player Personnel for the Panthers, Schneider will implement and manage the scouting and player-recruitment system in tandem with Head Coach, Kurt Bryan.

Peter is married to his wife, Walleska.

“Peter has been very successful in coaching football, building business recruiting platforms and sales, and now he has created a unique way to blend his talents and passion into a streamlined system for us.” - Panthers Head Coach, Kurt Bryan.

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