Darren Arbet
November 26, 1962
The first African-American head coach to win a pro-football championship when he coached the SaberCats to a victory at ArenaBowl XVI.
Synopsis: Darren Arbet, born on November 26, 1962, is a notable figure in the world of indoor football. He boasts a rich history as a coach and player in the Arena Football League (AFL), earning numerous accolades throughout his career. Beyond his coaching success, Arbet has also made significant contributions to the sport’s development. This text provides insights into his life journey, coaching record, personal life, awards and honors, as well as his involvement in businesses beyond football.
Darren Arbet is currently the General Manager and Head Coach of the Bay Area Panthers in the Indoor Football League (IFL). His role with the Bay Area Panthers represents his ongoing commitment to coaching and contributing to the development of indoor football.
Early Life: Growing up in Stockton, California, Darren Arbet attended Edison High School, where he showcased his athletic prowess in both football and track & field.
College Career: Arbet’s football journey continued at Sacramento State, where he played as a defensive end from 1981 to 1985, further honing his skills and passion for the game.
Professional Career: His professional football career commenced with the Los Angeles Cobras in 1988, followed by a stint with the Maryland Commandos in 1989.
Coaching Career:
Sacramento State: Arbet transitioned into coaching, starting as a tight ends coach at his alma mater, Sacramento State, in 1990.
Albany Firebirds: In 1992, he joined the Albany Firebirds, initially coaching fullbacks and linebackers. His dedication and expertise led to his promotion as defensive coordinator when Doug Kay, the previous defensive coordinator, accepted an offer to coach the Charlotte Rage in 1995.
San Jose SaberCats: A pivotal moment in his coaching journey came on January 13, 1999, when Arbet was named the head coach of the San Jose SaberCats. During his tenure, he steered the SaberCats to four ArenaBowl championships, establishing himself as a prominent figure in indoor football. Arbet’s contributions extended beyond coaching; he also took on the role of general manager and eventually became a stakeholder in the team. His remarkable run with the SaberCats concluded when the team withdrew from the AFL shortly after securing their fourth ArenaBowl victory.
Humboldt State University: In 2016, Arbet assumed the positions of Assistant Head Coach, linebackers coach, and special teams coordinator for the Humboldt State Lumberjacks.
Cabrillo Junior College: From 2017 to 2020, Arbet served as the Head Coach of Cabrillo Junior College.
Bay Area Panthers: In 2022, Darren Arbet embraced a new challenge as the General Manager and Head Coach of the Bay Area Panthers in the Indoor Football League (IFL).
Achievements and Impact: Notably, in 2002, Darren Arbet achieved a historic milestone as the first African-American head coach to secure a pro-football championship when he guided the SaberCats to victory at ArenaBowl XVI. His groundbreaking accomplishment marked a significant moment in the sport’s history.
Personal Life: Beyond his football endeavors, Darren Arbet maintains a connection with his family legacy in the sport. His nephew, Kevin Arbet, has also made a name for himself as a former AFL player.
Darren Arbet’s multifaceted career in indoor football encompasses player, coach, and manager roles. His achievements and contributions have left an indelible mark on the sport, and his journey continues with the Bay Area Panthers, where he seeks to inspire the next generation of football enthusiasts.