Text Box: To say that Dan Cole is the father of the Pirates is a massive understatement. Dan founded the Club in 1986 and guided it from its first faltering steps to an era of credibility and respect that continues within the Silver and Black today. Dan learned his craft as a Defensive Back at the University of Texas under legendary National-Championship Coach, Darrell Royal, and it was with that type of work ethic and dedication that Dan left the Argonauts in 1985 where he was an Assistant to form the Liverpool Pirates for the 1986 competition. During those early days Dan was something of a jack-of-all-trades. He Coached, administered the Club almost single-handed, played in emergencies, and became more than a mentor to his young, inexperienced squad. The early days were tough and the effort was not always reflected in the Win-Loss column, but the Pirates opponents knew that they were in for a tough day whenever they faced a Dan Cole led team. Dans efforts werent just concentrated on the Pirates either. League records show Dan as an inaugural Board member of the League, and he also spent time as an award-winning State Coach during the early years. Work and family commitments forced Dan away from the game after the 1990 season, but thankfully for the Club he was able to return as a part of the Coaching Staff in 1994 where he focused mainly on the Defense. It was during those years that the Pirate Defense took on a fearsome reputation as a result of the efforts of the athletes, but more so thanks to the schemes and efforts of Coach Cole. Dan took on the Head Coaching role again for the 1998 season and had the Club at the top of the standings before work commitments intervened again. This time an eventual move interstate meant that Dans links to the Club would be more long-distance rather than hands on, but that didnt mean that his love for the Pirates, or his State, diminished. Now living in Adelaide, Dan was a vocal supporter of the NSW Wolfpack in 2002, and a member of the Wolfpack Coaching Staff during the successful 2004 National Championship series. Simply put, without Dan Cole there would not be a Pirates Club, and even though he is no longer in day-to-day control of the Club his discipline, enthusiasm, and attention to detail is reflected in the way that the Pirates go about their business today. The successes that the Pirates enjoy today would not have been possible without the outstanding foundation laid down by Dan Cole. As an indication of the respect in which he is held throughout the League, Dan is the only member of the Pirates to be inducted into the Gridiron NSW Hall of Fame, but more than that as far as the Pirates are concerned, he is the man behind the Silver and Black.

Dan Coles Year-by-Year Coaching Record

Year

Games

Wins

Losses

Ties

Win %

1986

10

1

9

0

0.100

1987

10

5

5

0

0.500

1988

12

5

6

1

0.458

1989

12

4

8

0

0.333

1990

10

4

6

0

0.400

1998

6

6

0

0

1.000

Totals

60

25

34

1

0.425

Opponent

Games

Wins

Losses

Ties

Win %

Blacktown Vikings

4

3

1

0

0.750

Bondi Raiders

8

1

7

0

0.125

Canterbury Bankstown Cougars

3

2

1

0

0.667

Eastern Suburbs Buccaneers

3

0

3

0

0.000

Fairfield Argonauts

6

4

2

0

0.667

Hills District Eagles

7

2

5

0

0.286

Northshore/Manly Warringah Redbacks

3

2

1

0

0.667

Northwestern Rebels

7

1

5

1

0.214

St George Fireballs/Warriors

4

3

1

0

0.750

Sutherland Seahawks

4

3

1

0

0.750

Sydney City Barbarians

1

1

0

0

1.000

Sydney University Lions

8

1

7

0

0.125

U.T.S. Eagles

1

1

0

0

1.000

Wollongong College Mustangs

1

1

0

0

1.000

Overall Coaching Record -

60

25

34

1

0.425

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dan Coles Coaching Record by Opponent