PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Passion has named Ron Coder, head coach for the 2007 season.

After graduating from high school in Japan, Ron tried out for the Penn State football team as a walk-on. Four years and a degree later from Penn State, he was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1976 NFL collegiate draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ron later played for the Seattle Seahawks from 1976-79. In 1980 Ron was released by the Seahawks and signed by the St. Louis Cardinals where he played for 2 years.

"I am so excited to be able to work with these women and hopefully help them develop a love for this game like I have for it", said Coder.

At the age of 31 he retired from football and went to work with Pro Athletes Outreach where he trained pro athletes to be better role models. Ron and his wife Kathy later moved to Roswell, GA, and now reside in Pittsburgh. Coder is currently serving as chaplain for the Pitt athletes, and he believes in the Passion team philosophy of utilizing sport as a vehicle to teach life lessons.

"If the other coaches and I can make a difference not only on the field for them but even more importantly in their lives, then I feel we will have been successful. Oh yea, we plan on winning too!!"