NIFL to NFL? Capitols' Jefferson to interview for position with NFL's Packers

05/28/02 Capitols Press Release
Lincoln Capitols head coach Jose Jefferson's success as a head coach the past three seasons has gained the attention of at least one NFL team, as Jefferson will visit Green Bay for a May 29th interview. Jefferson will be interviewing for a scouting internship with the Packers, which has the potential of leading to a full-time position with the team.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to go be evaluated by the best," Jefferson said. "While the timing of the interview isn't the best, I'm looking forward to hopefully making a good impression."

The 31-year old Omaha native has led the Capitols to a 6-3 mark this season, after leading Lincoln's entry in the Indoor Football League to a divisional title in 2000 and a move into arenafootball2 in 2001. His record in three seasons as a head coach in Lincoln is 22-17. Jefferson was selected to coach the IFL Western Conference All-Star Team in 2000 after leading the Lincoln to a 10-4 record, the Southern Division Championship, and a playoff birth. In 1999, Jefferson served as coordinator for the IFL's total offense leader.

In 2001, Jefferson served as the running back coach at Nebraska Wesleyan University and in their conference champion season of 2000, he served as the Prairie Wolves receivers coach. Before coaching in Lincoln, Jefferson was a coach at Omaha Westside for Football as well as boys' and girls' basketball, and track and field.

Capitols' owner Bruce Bailey says while he'd hate to see Jefferson leave Lincoln, he's happy to see him get a chance to latch on with an NFL team.

"As a developmental league, we're not only trying to send players up (to the NFL)," Bailey said. "We're excited for Jose and feel that this opportunity is also a feather in our cap."

Jefferson will miss part of the Capitols' preparation for their Friday, May 31st against the LaCrosse Night Train, but is expected to return in time to coach the team in its first home game in four weeks. Associate head coach Mark Traynowicz will take over the team's practices on Wednesday and Thursday.

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