2015 Birmingham Bulls season


The 2015 Birmingham Bulls season was the team's 32nd season in competitive British American Football. It was also the first season under rookie Head Coach Mark Pagett and Chairman Richard Penwright, whilst Rob Amor returned for a fifth year as Club Secretary.
The Bulls entered the 2015 season in the second tier following a league restructure, and were considered by some to be favourites for post-season success and immediate promotion back to the top tier.
Following the departure of the previous coaching staff, former player Matt Sheldon was appointed as Offensive Coordinator, while Alan Steel, departing the Coventry Jets, was appointed as Defensive Coordinator. Coaches Mark Webb and Paul Roberts were retained in their role as Special Teams and Defensive Back coaches respectively.
Part way through the season, Offensive Coordinator Matt Sheldon stepped down from his role and was replaced by O-Line coach Gary Hodgen. Despite early season promise, including an away win against the eventual league champions Farnham Knights, a five-game losing streak put paid to any notion of post-season football in 2015.

Recruitment

Following successful recruitment sessions in the winter of 2014, several rookies joined the team, along with former players returning from playing in Europe.

Rookies

Transfers

Staff

Playing Staff

Final Roster

Statistics

Offence
CategoryName
Passing YardsDan Wilkes204
Passing TDsRichard Penwright & Dan Wilkes1
Rushing YardsMark Bonazebi1206
Rushing TDsMark Bonazebi14
Receiving YardsMichael Beaty187
Receiving TDsMichael Doyle & Mark Bonazebi1

Defence
CategoryName
Total TacklesOlu Amudipe57
Solo TacklesOlu Amudipe29
SacksOlu Amudipe6.5
InterceptionsGareth Thomas8
Forced FumblesJake Harbon, Domeni White, Lee Macken2
Fumble RecoveriesOlu Amudipe & Stephen Stoakes2

Special Teams
CategoryName
Field GoalsLuca Zigliani1
Punt YardsLuca Zigliani1317
Kick Return YardsGareth Thomas304
Punt Return YardsGareth Thomas240

Bulls players set or equalled several team records throughout the 2015 season. Mark Bonazebi recorded 1206 rushing yards, the most in Bulls history, and his 93-yard run against the Hertfordshire Cheetahs was the longest in team history. Gareth Thomas' 9 total takeaways was a new Bulls season record, and his 4 interceptions against the Hertfordshire Cheetahs was a record for most single game takeaways and interceptions. His 8 total interceptions equalled Hall of Famer Paul Roberts' single season record. His 125 punt return yards against the East Kent Mavericks was also a single game record for the Bulls.

Award Winners

The Bulls held their annual awards night on 20 September 2015.
AwardWinner
Team MVPMark Bonazebi
Player's PlayerMark Bonazebi
Offensive MVPMark Bonazebi
Defensive MVPGareth Thomas
Special Teams MVPGareth Thomas
Coaches' MVPRichard Penwright
Offensive Development AwardDavid Pemberton
Defensive Development AwardStephen Stoakes

Schedule

Pre-Season

Regular Season

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.