Text from Monarchs Web Site at beginning of 1988
FORMER
NFL star Lionel Taylor is the man with the task of guiding the England
Monarchs to the World Bowl crown in 1998. It will be his second full season
at the helm and he’s hungry for success.
Taylor known as LT took over at the controls in the third week of the 1996 World League campaign when coach Bobby Hammond was released and he gave the side a much-needed boost after they had opened the season with two losses. He guided the Blue-and-Gold to a win over the Rhein Fire on his debut at the controls and they eventually finished with a 4-6 record.
Last season, his team suffered an up-and-down campaign, marred by many injuries to key players. The Monarchs recorded another 4-6 campaign but did manage two wins over their arch rivals the Scottish Claymores.
"I don’t make excuses," said Taylor, who owns two Super Bowl rings from his days as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s. "I simply think how I can do it better next time. Next season is a very important one as far as the Monarchs are concerned. We’re out to win over a new set of fans and winning football games would go a long way to help."
LT boasts a coaching pedigree which is hard to match. He worked with the Steelers from 1970-76 and went to another Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams as their offensive co-ordinator in 1978 but finished on the losing side. He has also worked with the Cleveland Browns. Taylor’s college resume is just as impressive – he was head coach at Texas Southern University from 1984-88 and also spent two seasons with Oregon State.
As a player, Lionel was one of the greats of the 1960s. He was a star wide receiver with the Chicago Bears (1959), Denver Broncos (1960-66) and Houston Oilers (1967-68). He is the Broncos’ all-time leading receiver after snaring 543 catches for 6,872 yards both still club records.
Taylor became the Monarchs offensive co-ordinator in 1995 and helped quarterback Brad Johnson – now a star with the Minnesota Vikings – develop into one of the league’s top players. In 1996, he took over at the top and won many friends with his positive attitude.
"This ballclub has a fine tradition and it’s a challenge to carry it on," said LT, who spends the off-season scouting new talent for the World League team. "I always give everything I’ve got and I expect the same from my players and the other coaches. There’s no substitute for simple hard work and that’s what makes winners."