PIRATES PROMOTE MIRTO TO HEAD COACH

HOLIDAY- In a move that has been done before by Pirates’ management in the past and has met mixed results, Anclote has made a change at the head coaching position before the preseason begins in late November.

According to team sources, the Pirates have mutually agreed to part ways with coach Barry Vinkler and have quickly moved to promote from within and name offensive coordinator, Scott Mirto, to the position of head coach. Vinkler leaves after a second stint with Anclote, with 2010 being his first go round, ending in a 3-7 campaign in the National Independent Football League (NIFL).

“It was a very tough decision that we had to make, but it was the best for both parties moving forward,” Anclote CEO Andy Villamarzo said. “Many within the organization believed we were going on two different paths and with so much uncertainty surrounding some future plans, we decided it would be best now to make the move.

Mirto brings a strong coaching background from the state of Ohio, as he compiled an impressive record of 68-34 through nine seasons of being a head coach. The Ohio product reached the postseason twice and claimed one division championship in the process. He brings both strong credentials on the offensive and defensive sides and has stated that he expects the Pirates to compete strongly in the Florida Football Alliance (FFA).

“I’m here to win and that’s one thing that will not change,” Mirto said via Facebook.