The landscape of indoor football in Savannah is poised for a significant transformation with the recent announcement of an Indoor Football League (IFL) expansion team. This development has sparked considerable discussion, particularly from the Savannah Aces, another local indoor football franchise. The Aces' owner and player, Jay Deloach, has welcomed the IFL's arrival, expressing a strong interest in a potential collaboration, viewing it as a beneficial step for his team, coaching staff, and personal aspirations within the sport.
Deloach articulated his enthusiasm for a partnership, stating that he would readily embrace such an opportunity for the benefit of his team and everything he has strived for. He firmly believes in the capabilities of his players to perform competitively within the IFL structure. Currently, the Savannah Aces participate in the five-team Gridiron Indoor Football League (GIFL), although they are based in Atlanta while carrying the Savannah name. Despite the new IFL team commencing play in March 2027, Deloach indicated that the Aces intend to maintain their presence in the GIFL and remain headquartered in Georgia's capital city.
However, Deloach, a two-time state champion from Memorial Day, conveyed his willingness to try out for the newly established team or contribute in other capacities. Having founded the Aces in January 2025, he possesses firsthand experience with the challenges and potential pitfalls associated with launching an expansion franchise. He emphasized the importance of attracting dedicated players who are motivated by the experience rather than solely by financial incentives.
Bryan Caracciolo, one of the owners of Savannah's new IFL team, confirmed that Deloach had initiated contact. Caracciolo expressed an eagerness to have Savannah Aces players and other local talent participate in tryouts. He also highlighted the substantial interest the new team has already generated, estimating between 400 and 500 prospective players. The team is reportedly receiving 30 to 40 inquiries daily, including numerous submissions of game film, a trend that Caracciolo anticipates will necessitate multiple tryout sessions.
In a related development, the new IFL team recently announced the appointment of Clay Harrell, formerly the Defensive Coordinator for the Jacksonville Sharks, as their inaugural head coach. Harrell's tenure with the Sharks spanned three seasons, during which his defensive unit achieved notable success in 2025, recording 20 interceptions and recovering 10 fumbles, both ranking second in the league, while conceding an average of 41.2 points per game.
The arrival of the IFL expansion team promises to inject new energy into Savannah's indoor football scene. With the Savannah Aces owner expressing interest in collaboration and the new franchise actively recruiting talent, the future of the sport in the region appears vibrant, offering fresh opportunities for players and increased excitement for fans. This developing situation underscores the dynamic nature of professional sports and the potential for established local teams to engage with burgeoning ventures, aiming for collective growth and enhanced competition.
