Mike Hohensee has been around the Arena Football League long enough to tell stories that few people can.
As a quarterback for Pittsburgh in the inaugural 1987 season, Hohensee recalls wearing uniforms made by Zubaz, the clothing line best known for its zebra-print shorts and wild patterns.
"We actually had mesh sides to our pants, so you could actually see leg," Hohensee said, laughing. "So, yeah, we've evolved."
Hohensee is now a longtime AFL coach, and he is taking over the reborn Soul, who will resume league play in April.
On Tuesday, the team introduced Hohensee, 49, to the media and fans, marking a significant step in the Soul's return to the AFL. After the team captured the ArenaBowl XXII championship in 2008, the league suspended operations during the recession.
"It was probably the worst period in my life," said Hohensee, who was coaching the Chicago Rush at the time. "I go from doing something that I love for 22 years, and being called a legend, to being on the unemployment line, waiting for a call from someone you sent a resumé to, hoping your sport would come back. When your sport goes away, it's tough."
Hohensee continued to coach Chicago when the league resumed play this year. His record in nine seasons with the Rush was 93-64, and Chicago won ArenaBowl XX in 2006. He is the league's third-winningest coach all-time, with a career mark of 140-112.
Craig Spencer, the Soul's co-majority owner, said that ownership did not believe it had adequate time to return to championship form last season. The Soul were left without any players, with many joining other teams. Co-majority owner Ron Jaworski said he expects to lure back about half of the 2008 team.
"We're going to start getting on the phones today," said Hohensee, who is on board for a year.
Contact staff writer Mario Aguirre at 215-854-4550 or maguirre@phillynews.com.
