New Leadership, Bold Moves: Crestmont Red Dragons Chart a Fresh Path
By Marvin Lane, lead Red Dragon beat reporter for the Crestmont Sports Report
Marvin Lane, lead Red Dragon beat reporter for the Crestmont Sports Report
When A.J. McCloud announced his audacious purchase and subsequent closure of the Arizona Cardinals, the NFL’s newest team, the Crestmont Red Dragons, was born amid a swirl of controversy. Now, with the 2024-2025 season looming, McCloud is making waves once again by appointing Allison McClain as President of Football Operations and General Manager.
McClain, a trailblazer with a reputation for sharp decision-making, comes to the Red Dragons after a decade-long career in the front offices of several NFL teams. Most recently, she served as Assistant GM for the Indianapolis Colts, where her strategic player acquisitions and salary cap wizardry helped build a competitive roster. Known for her methodical approach and ability to foster collaboration, McClain has earned respect throughout the league.
“Allison’s vision for building a team—not just players, but a culture of excellence—is exactly what we need as we start this journey,” said McCloud in a press conference introducing her. “She’s the perfect architect for what we’re building here in Crestmont.”
McClain’s first major act as GM was equally bold: the hiring of Thomas Peters, a relatively unknown figure in the NFL world, as Head Coach. Peters, 32, comes with an impressive resume from the college ranks, where his teams at smaller California programs consistently dominated using his signature vertical power run offensive scheme.
New Crestmont Red Dragons Head Coach: Thomas Peters
A Bold Coaching Choice
Peters’ offensive philosophy is straightforward yet punishing. The vertical power run scheme is built on a foundation of physicality and speed, emphasizing downhill running to set up deep passing plays. By combining brute force on the ground with explosive aerial strikes, Peters’ offenses overwhelmed college defenses. However, the NFL presents an entirely different challenge, and skepticism abounds about whether his tactics can translate to the pro level.
On defense, Peters brings a twist to the traditional 3-4 scheme with what he dubs the “Stormin’ 3-4.” The 3-4 defense—featuring three down linemen and four linebackers—is a flexible scheme designed to confuse offenses with disguised blitzes and varied coverage. Peters’ version leans into aggressive pre-snap movement and unpredictable blitz packages, designed to create chaos for opposing quarterbacks.
Joining Peters in Crestmont are his longtime collaborators: offensive coordinator Nick Gregory and defensive coordinator Jackson Pierce. Both have worked with Peters for years, refining their respective systems and earning the loyalty of their players.
“Nick and Jackson are like family to me,” Peters said during his introductory press conference. “We’ve built something special together, and we’re ready to bring that same energy and innovation to the Red Dragons.”
Challenges Ahead
While the vision is clear, the road ahead is fraught with obstacles. The NFL’s decision to penalize McCloud for dismantling the Cardinals by barring the Red Dragons from participating in an expansion draft has left the team at a disadvantage. Without the ability to build a foundation through the draft, McClain and her team will have to assemble a roster entirely through free agency and trades—an unprecedented challenge in modern NFL history.
“It’s a unique situation, no doubt,” McClain admitted. “But we’re embracing it. We have the resources, and we’re confident we can bring in the right players to compete immediately.”
Fans and NFL insiders remain cautiously optimistic. While Peters’ coaching acumen and innovative schemes offer hope, his lack of NFL experience is a concern. Building a cohesive and competitive roster under such unusual circumstances will test McClain’s managerial skills to their limits.
A New Chapter Begins
Despite the skepticism, there’s an undeniable buzz around the Red Dragons. Crestmont’s passionate sports community has embraced its new team with enthusiasm, eager to see how this bold experiment unfolds. With a state-of-the-art stadium and a city ready to rally behind them, the Red Dragons have all the makings of a Cinderella story in the NFL.
“We’re starting from scratch, but that’s also the beauty of it,” McClain said. “It’s a blank canvas, and we get to paint it our way. The Crestmont Red Dragons will be a team this city and its fans can be proud of.”
As the countdown to kickoff begins, the Red Dragons find themselves in uncharted waters. But with visionary leadership and a community ready to roar, anything seems possible for this fiery new franchise.
