:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4469851/gyi0061950669.0.jpg)
Former NFL head coaches Leeman Bennett and Jerry Glanville have been named the coaches for this year's East-West Shrine Game, benefitting Shriners Hospitals for Children. The game is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2013 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersberg, Fla.
The game's executive director, Harold Richardson, is happy to take this opportunity to get a pair of coaches with careers such as theirs to coach:
"Coach Bennett and Coach Glanville are excited to be a part of this game because it combines great football with a great cause. This week creates memories that will last a lifetime."
Bennett coached the Atlanta Falcons from 1977-1982. During his time with the Falcons, Bennett went 46-41, reaching the playoffs three times with the Falcons, going 1-3 in his time. He also coached the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1985 and 1986, going 2-14 both seasons. Bennett knows that he will be doing this not only for the players, but for the kids that this game will benefit:
"The Shrine Game gives these players the chance to compete against the best athletes in the country and show their support for a great cause," Bennett said. "I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to lead these young men in the game, all while putting smiles on the faces of children."
Glanville took over as head coach of the Houston Oilers in 1985, losing the last two games of the season. He was made the official head coach in 1986, and compiled a record of 33-32 by the end of 1989, reaching the playoffs three times and going 2-3. In 1990 he took over as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
In four seasons he coached the Falcons to a 27-37 record, his best season being in 1991 where the team went 11-5, but lost to the Washington Redskins in the divisional round of the playoffs. Glanville is happy to be coaching but is also happy to be doing this for a cause:
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this very special game that gives the players a stage to showcase their talents, and also supports a cause that is very dear to me," said Glanville. "At the end of the day, helping provide a better future for the children is what touches me the most."