Rick Purcell joins Panthers Wrocław as DB Coach & Co-Defensive Coordinator!

Panthers Wrocław are strengthening their coaching staff by hiring Rick Purcell as the DB Coach & Co-Defensive Coordinator. With extensive experience, Purcell brings a strong vision for defensive play, focusing particularly on the role of the secondary in defense. His approach aims to effectively integrate this unit into the overall defense, helping the team achieve greater success.

Priorities in working with the Panthers’ defense

Purcell emphasizes that his first priority is getting to know the coaches and players. “My main priorities are getting to know the coaches and the players first. We have a great group of coaches from all over the world. They bring different perspectives to the game. Starting there and understanding the priority and vision of the Panther Organization and Coach Kuligowski is the best way to know how to position the players for success.”

He also stresses the importance of building strong relationships. “Getting to know the players and how to help them maximize their ability is ground zero. Everything after that will be built because of the relationship players have with the Panthers Organization, the relationship players have with their teammates, and the relationship they have with themselves as men and players. The stronger our connection, the stronger the team and the better we will play.”

Developing the secondary and integration into the defense

Purcell discusses his role in working with the secondary: “My role will lean heavily towards working with the defensive secondary. Looking for ways to improve the role of the secondary and its impact on and integration into the overall defense will be a key focus.” This means his main task will be improving the skills of the secondary players, which will contribute to better integration with the rest of the defensive units and increase the overall effectiveness of the team.

Goals for the 2025 season

Purcell follows a clear philosophy of constant improvement: “My goals are to be better today than we were yesterday and better tomorrow than we were today. In everything I do, I live by the philosophy of Excellence Every Day. If we do the things necessary to continue to improve and never be satisfied with success, we can have a special season.”

He also emphasizes the importance of building a strong bond with the local community and fans. “I love how football builds relationships. As a team, we connect not only on the field but with the local community. Interest in football is growing in Poland, and the games are filled with excitement thanks to the fantastic fans. I would love for us to keep developing football here in Poland. Who knows, maybe one day the NFL will decide to host a preseason or regular season game here in Poland.”

What qualities does he value in defensive players?

Purcell highlights that the foundation of any successful team goes beyond just skills on the field. “The values that translate onto the field were shaped by my childhood and experiences on athletic teams. I grew up working on a small farm and helping my neighbors with their farms and property. I learned that the best teams are the ones that work hard, prepare in the offseason, and have an unwavering belief in the team and the importance of their role in the team's success.”

As a young coach, he reflected on the traits that would help players succeed not just on the field but in life as well. “When I looked at successful people – not just athletes – I found some consistent traits and behaviors. I settled on character, toughness, work ethic, a passion for excellence, coachability, and 'enhanceability.' These character traits always led to defenses that were disciplined, tough, physical, played smart and fast, and were relentless.”

Message to Panthers Nation

Purcell cannot hide his excitement about joining the team: “I am excited to join Coach Kuligowski and the Panther Organization. I cannot wait for the first home game. Panthers Nation, let me hear you ROAR! Let’s Go!”

Rick Purcell is ready to start working with the team, and the upcoming ELF 2025 season promises to be full of emotions and intense development of the defense.