The Arena League continues to expand slowly, adding two teams in 2025 and three in 2026, while losing one so far. As the TAL expands from 4 to 8 teams in just two seasons, one thing that has stood out to me during this hiring cycle is the experience they have brought to these teams. Let’s take a look at who was hired and their previous experience.
Table of Contents
Matthew Caward, General Manager, Nebraska Siege
Matthew Caward is a former indoor football quarterback for the New Mexico Stars who later joined the Duke City Gladiators, helping get that franchise off the ground. He held the General Manager title for three seasons before moving on.
In late 2020, he joined the Northern Arizona Wranglers as their team chaplain, a short-lived role. After decades spent in the New Mexico and Arizona areas, he took a job with the City of Grand Island as a Fire Operations Division Chief, before returning to indoor football with the TAL for 2026.
His experience as a player, chaplain, and general manager is all very valuable to the TAL. However, if there is one fact that stands out, it’s that he assisted Duke City in their infancy and helped them go from an upstart franchise to an established brand that survived years after he left. This experience in particular is invaluable to the team.
Doug Parrish, General Manager, Louisiana
Doug Parrish’s experience is all very applicable to his new position as General Manager of the Louisiana Monroe team. Parrish began his college career at the JUCO level, where he played as a defensive back and return man. Working his way up to Cal after two seasons. Ultimately, he was selected in the 7th round by the New York Jets.
Eventually, he went on to have a five-year career in the Canadian Football League. After 1996, he retired and went into his post-playing career. Years later, his son was drafted by Edmonton, where he once won a Grey Cup.
In 2024, he joined the Birmingham Stallions as a Director of Sponsorships. A role that will translate directly to his expectations as a GM. He also spent several years helping build businesses with Red Dipper before developing his own media platform. He even served on the Small Business Advisory Council in California. Perhaps his rolodex already has contacts just waiting to be tapped for the TAL in 2026.
One thing about Parrish is that the majority of his football career has come with winning. During his time at Taft College, they went 16-4 in the regular season, appearing in and winning the Potato Bowl in 1986, and losing in the Pony Bowl in 1986.
Later advancing to the pros, where he won a Grey Cup. Eventually joining the Birmingham Stallions for their 2024 championship run. Winning seems to be important to Parrish, and something tells me the coach hired for Louisiana will be someone experienced who knows how to produce wins.
Conclusion
The Arena League continues to make a lot of great moves. Expanding at a slow and controlled rate allows the league to continue growing without putting too much strain on any single ownership group. Their approach of laying the groundwork before bringing in owners makes for a more streamlined process, and in my opinion, has helped keep the league stable so far.
While we have seen a crack or two in the foundation over the past two seasons, this is to be expected of any upstart arena football league at this point. Every league will take its lumps finding its way, and in the bigger picture, TAL has taken fewer lumps than many other leagues that came before it.
Give Away
Do you want to own a piece of indoor football history? How about a piece of turf from the Sioux Falls Storm one of the most storied indoor football franchises? With our easy 3 step process you can enter to win:
- Step 1: Go to Indoor & Arena Football History on TikTok and find the contest keyword.
- Step 2: Join our mailing list at ShadySportsNetwork.com
- Step 3: Comment the Contest Keyword LIVE during any episode of Around the Indoor Football World.
That’s it you are entered to win a piece of the turf the Sioux Falls Storm once played on.
Sponsor: Dr. Squatch
Dr Squatch is the soap designed for men who get dirty for a living. Created with exfoliants in the soap to scrub away tough stains on your hands after a long day of work. With scents your girl will love.
Disclaimer-Flannel Shirt and Chest Hair not included.
Use my link to shop Dr. Squatch: https://www.drsquatch.com/SF7WQHQY
Sponsor: Upside
This content and so much more is brought to you by Upside. Upside is a free, no-strings-attached app that will pay you cashback for the purchases you already make. Gas, Groceries, or a Good Meal, with just 3 clicks, you can earn Cash Back today at HUNDREDS of locations. Use our code Sam363682 to save an additional 15 cents per gallon on your next fuel purchase. With discounts up to 25 cents per gallon, you could earn 40 cents back per gallon on your first purchase. Again, use our code Sam363682 at sign up.
YouTube
Please also help us continue growing on our YouTube Channel by subscribing if you haven’t already. Also, like and comment on any videos you enjoy! Thank you for your support, and we hope you continue to tune in!
Also, check out our new Live Events channel dedicated to broadcasting any games we are able to get the broadcast rights to. We have broadcast arena football, A7FL, Big 3 Basketball, Flag Football, Boxing, MMA, and so much more.
https://www.youtube.com/@ShadySportsNetworkLiveGames
Join the Conversation on Discord, Facebook, or Reddit
Are you on Discord or Facebook? Join our server/groups to jump in the conversation, stay up to date on your favorite leagues, and give us your hot takes. You can also promote your content!
Fantasy Reports Facebook Group
Discover more from Shady Sports Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.