Staff

Mark Pilling

Head Coach

The Erie Express are proud to announce the return of Head Coach Mark Pilling for the 2021 season. Mark begins his tenth season with the Erie Express and will also act as our Director of Player Personnel. Mark compiled an impressive record including 53 wins, 7 playoff appearances, 1 championship and has had over 60 pro contracts signed by Express players.

Prior to coaching in Erie, Mark was the Head Coach of the Jamestown Chiefs (Jamestown, NY). While in Jamestown Mark led the Chiefs to the NFA Championship game and earned NFA Coach of the Year honors in doing so. Mark brings with him over 26 years of coaching experience.

"We are very happy to have Mark back on board full time again. He is 100% committed to this team and community and wants to bring another championship home to Erie. We are blessed to have him on board with us and know he will contribute greatly to our championship run in 2020"-Director of Operations Paul Pennington.

Corey King

Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator

Coach King enters his second season with the Express and brings a wealth of experience and is a true leader in the field. Corey was most recently the Head Coach of the Mahoning Valley Rough Ryderz. King spent 2 seasons as the head coach, offensive and defensive coordinator of the WPA Kingz and spent 1 season as an assistant coach of the Clarion County Renegades. In addition to his pro experience King has coached 6 years at the high school level at Keystone High School.

King is a graduate of Keystone High School where he was a three year letterman in football, selected as Captain and was named 1st team all conference as a LB. Corey played 1 season with the Clarion County Renegades as a defensive Lineman.

"We are very happy to have Corey on staff with us. He has done an amazing job everywhere he has been. He is very passionate and truly cares about his players. Corey is a coach that understands this level of football and truly gets what is expected and carries himself as a true professional. We are blessed to have him on board"-Director of Operations Paul Pennington

Denton Sauers

Offensive Coordinator

Rob Glus

Special Teams Coordinator

Andy Alexander

Equipment Manager

Andy has been a part of professional football in Erie since first joining the Freeze in 2005. Andy has served as the Equipment Manager for the Erie Riverrats, Storm and Explosion and was part of 2 championships indoor.

"Andy does an amazing job for us year in and year out. His help to me persoanlly is tremendous and relieves a lot of stress knowing he is there to help the players with their needs on gamedays. We truly appreciate Andy and what he brings to the team and are blessed to have him back again this year"-Direcotor of Operations Paul Pennington.

Michael Balko

Express Mascot

Michael begins his third season with the Erie Express.

Michael has 4years of mascot experience working for local business's and professional teams.

Balko is a graduate of Erie First Christian Academy. While in High School Mike played 3 years of football (Strong Vincent 1yr, Mercyhurst Prep 2yr), and 1 year of soccer.

"I wanted to be a part of the Express because I know a lot of guys on the team and I want to help make the atmosphere more enjoyable for the fans who enjoy watching the Express win football games."-Michael Balko

Mike has played professionally one season for the Western PA Kingz.

"Mike's past work as a mascot and desire to help make the game day experience the best it can be for our fans is exactly what we have been looking for. We try our best to make our games an enjoyable time for fans of all ages and this adds to that. We are very happy to have Michael on board and are certain he will do a great job for us"-Director of Operations Paul Pennington.

Dane Staaf

Film Crew