CHRIS HOVAN NAMED DEFENSIVE LINE COACH

Former Minnesota Viking and Tampa Bay Buccaneer Joins Dave Ewart’s Staff 

Chris Hovan playing with Tampa bay Buccaneers (Photo Courtesy of the Tampa Bay Storm)

TAMPA BAY, FLA. – The Tampa Bay Storm is pleased to announce Chris Hovan will join head coach Dave Ewart’s coaching staff. 

“Chris has proven on the field he has what it takes to be successful as a defensive lineman,” said Ewart.  “Now he will be able to take all the knowledge and experience he has accumulated and pass it on.  This is a great opportunity for our defensive lineman to learn from a former All-Pro, he will make a nice addition to the staff.”

Hovan enters his first season with the Tampa Bay Storm as an assistant coach and will be responsible for coaching the defensive line.  He spent the past two years at the University of South Florida where he was a member of the Strength and Conditioning Staff for the athletic program.

“I am excited to join the staff and want to thank Coach Ewart, Derrick Brooks and the Tampa Bay Storm organization for the opportunity to continue to follow my passion,” stated Hovan.  “Not only do I get to coach, but I get to stay in the Tampa Bay community, a community that has embraced me and my family, as I continue my football career on the sidelines.”

An 11-year veteran of the National Football League, Hovan began his career as a first-round draft pick (25th overall) for the Minnesota Vikings.  After five seasons with the Vikings, during which time he was a consensus All-Rookie pick (2000) and earned All-Pro honors (2002), he signed a free-agent contract that would bring him to the Tampa Bay area to play with the Buccaneers.

Chris Hovan (photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Storm)

In his first season with the Buccaneers (2005), the defense finished as top unit in the NFL. He would spend five seasons with Tampa Bay prior to joining the St. Louis Rams.  A back injury derailed him for the 2010 season, his 11th in the NFL, and he was placed on injured reserve during training camp for the remainder of the season.

During his NFL career Hovan appeared in 156 games and started 149 of them.  He finished his career with 362 tackles, 22 sacks, 14 pass breakups and two forced fumbles.

He and his wife, Jaimi, live in the Tampa Bay area with their three children and remain active members in the Tampa Bay community.

For a complete bio on Chris Hovan visit – http://www.tampabaystorm.com/team/coaching-staff.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm was awarded the 2012 AFL Support Staff of the Year.  The 2013 season kicks off at home Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 PM versus South Division rival Jacksonville Sharks.  Season tickets are available, for more information call 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com. Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.

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