Darren Arbet is the Head Football Coach for the Nashville Kats, bringing over three decades of coaching experience, including 21 years in the Arena Football League (AFL) and 17 seasons as the head coach of the San Jose SaberCats.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 6, 1967, in Stockton, California, Arbet attended Edison High School, where he excelled in both football and track & field. He continued his athletic pursuits at Sacramento State University, playing as a defensive end for the Hornets from 1981 to 1985.
Coaching Career
Arbet's coaching journey began in 1990 at Sacramento State, where he coached tight ends. He then moved on to the AFL, joining the Albany Firebirds as a fullbacks and linebackers coach in 1992, and later serving as their defensive coordinator. In 1999, Arbet became the head coach of the San Jose SaberCats, leading them to four ArenaBowl championships (2002, 2004, 2007, and 2015) and earning AFL Coach of the Year honors twice (2000 and 2002). His tenure with the SaberCats solidified his status as a Hall of Fame coach, with his induction into the AFL Hall of Fame in 2011.
After the SaberCats ceased operations in 2015, Arbet continued his coaching career with the Bay Area Panthers, initially joining as head coach in 2022 and later taking on the role of general manager in 2023. Late 2024, he was appointed as the head coach of the Nashville Kats, where he continues to apply his extensive experience to develop players and lead the team to success.
Personal Life
Arbet's legacy extends beyond his coaching achievements; he became the first African-American head coach to win a pro-football championship in 2002. His commitment to the sport and community has left a lasting impact on arena football.
