Luginbill returns to his Southern California roots

Thursday, August 17, 2000 – Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Al Luginbill, coach of the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe for the past five seasons, was hired Thursday as coach of the XFL’s Los Angeles franchise.

“We are very fortunate to have a man with coach Luginbill’s experience,” general manager John McKay Jr. said. “He has been a proven winner at all levels. Now, he gets to return home to Southern California.”

Luginbill, 53, led the Admirals to a 30-20 record, with the 30 victories ranking third among NFL Europe coaches.

“I have been following the formation of the XFL closely,” he said. “I believe the football on the field is going to be first class, and I am happy to get in on the ground floor of this league.”

Luginbill was head coach at San Diego State from 1989-93, guiding the Aztecs to a 31-25-3 record. San Diego State went 8-4-1 in 1991 and played in the Freedom Bowl.