MICHIGAN RAPTORS
ARENA FOOTBALL
OFFICIAL: THE BROTHERS ARE BACK.
The Michigan Raptors are proud to officially announce that Offensive Coordinator Chris Kolokithas and Defensive Coordinator Jason Kolokithas will return to the sidelines for their second season with the organization.
After finishing the 2026 AAL2 regular season 5–4 and earning a playoff appearance in our inaugural season, the Raptors finished 6–4 overall when including our preseason victory.
Year One established the foundation.
Year Two is about raising the standard.
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR — CHRIS KOLOKITHAS
Chris Kolokithas returns after helping build the Raptors offense during the team’s first season. Now, with a full year of arena football experience within the program, his focus turns toward expanding the playbook, creating more versatility and taking advantage of the talent the Raptors expect to bring into camp.
Chris Kolokithas:
“Last season gave us a foundation. This season, we’re building on it. We learned what works, what we need to improve and where we can become much more dangerous. The playbook is going to grow, and the talent we bring in will give us the ability to change things up and attack defenses in different ways.”
“The expectation for our players is simple: come prepared to work, compete and earn everything. Nothing will be handed out because of what happened last year. We’re going to demand execution, discipline and accountability. If we get the talent we’re expecting and everyone buys into what we’re building, this offense can take a major step forward.”
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR — JASON KOLOKITHAS
Jason Kolokithas was part of the Raptors organization throughout the entire 2026 season, but circumstances prevented him from coaching in person until approximately halfway through the year.
2027 will be different.
Jason will take the reins of the Raptors defense from Day One, giving him an entire offseason, training camp and season to establish his system and identity.
Jason Kolokithas:
“Last year I wasn’t able to physically be there from the beginning, so I never had the opportunity to fully install the defense the way I wanted. This year, I get that opportunity from Day One.”
“I want our defense to have an identity. I want us fast, physical, disciplined and relentless. We’re going to compete every snap and make offenses earn everything they get. I expect players who want to be coached, who hold themselves accountable and who understand that playing defense for the Michigan Raptors means playing with an attitude and a standard.”
“My goal isn’t to maintain what we did last season. It’s to build something better. I want a defense that teams know they’re going to have to deal with before they ever step onto the field.”
HEAD COACH JEFF PITOCK
For Head Coach and Owner Jeff Pitock, bringing both brothers back was an important part of continuing what the organization started in 2026.
Jeff Pitock:
“I couldn’t be happier to have Chris and Jason back. I felt the three of us developed great chemistry last season, and I truly believe we’re onto something very special with this program.”
“When I invited them both back and they accepted, I was extremely pleased because continuity matters. We aren’t starting over. We’re taking what we built in Year One, learning from it and pushing it forward.”
“We went 5–4 in league play, made the playoffs in our first season and finished 6–4 overall including preseason. We’re proud of that, but nobody here is satisfied with it.”
“The expectations are higher now. Coaches will be held accountable. Players will be held accountable. I will be held accountable. We expect our players to show up ready to compete, ready to learn and ready to represent this organization the right way.”
“Last season we introduced ourselves. This season, we intend to make sure people remember the name.”
Chris is back.
Jason is back.
The foundation is built.
Now it’s time to take the next step.
To every team, every opponent and every league watching:
WE ARE THE MICHIGAN RAPTORS.
AND WE’RE COMING.
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