Plant City has hired Darien Bell as their new offensive coordinator.  Bell served as the wide receivers coach at Bethel University the past two football seasons.  Bethel is a NAIA school located in McKenzie, Tennessee.

Bell, 31, played college football at Tuskegee University and also professionally in Europe.  He is a St. Petersburg native and started his coaching career at Gibbs High under current King coach Alvin Davis.

Raiders head coach Wayne Ward informed me he is fortunate to find someone with Bell’s capabilities.  Ward remarked that Bell has “some great ideas.”  Regarding offensive philosophy he said, “I’ve never seen a guy come in and have the same exact thinking as myself.  I’m excited about it.”  Ward added that the coaches at Bethel and coach Davis, “had nothing but great things to say about him.”

Ward said that the no-huddle pressure offense will still be the Raiders offensive tack, but with an even quicker pace under Bell.

The Raiders have an opportunity to keep the scoreboard operator busy in 2011.  They return big-time offensive weapons in QB Bennie Coney, RB Daz Patterson, and WR LaMarlin Wiggins.  A young offensive line that graduated four starters will be the focus for improvement this spring.

Bell will be an asset to Plant City in the classroom as well.  He just recently earned his Masters Degree in English at Bethel.