Buck won't micro-manage Blaze

New Utah Blaze part-owner Jason Buck says “I absolutely plan to be very involved” with his Arena Football League team, “but not to the point of micro-managing the coach.”

Buck, the former Outland Trophy winner, was introduced as an owner, this week. The former BYU defensive lineman played seven years in the NFL with Cincinnati and Washington.

“I think like a player,” he said. “And I want to create the best environment possible for the players. If you can do that, players will play for you and word spreads throughout the league.”

Buck said he is fine with players who move on to the NFL, even if they’re with the Blaze for just one season. In fact, he said, “one of our jobs it to help these men achieve their dreams.”

He continued, “I want to be heavily involved in the big picture. You won’t see me calling plays. I also know from the standpoint of owners in the NFL that it sometimes messes up the teams. I’m a coach’s owner. I see the big picture and I plan to give the best support system possible, and when the coach needs me to motivate and give pep talks at the correct times, I’ll use my background. I might pop in for a practice, give a tip here and there and then disappear.”

RON JAMES

Buck said he has confidence Blaze coach Ron James can turn around his team from its 2-14 season, last year.

“Coach James having the full off-season and the full opportunity to put his complete stamp on it will be great,” said Buck. “Enough time has evolved that I think the organization is ready and I believe with that experience, you’ll see a much better product from the ground up.”