Darren Arbet (born November 26, 1962) is the Head Coach of the Nashville Kats of the Arena Football One. He has a career record of 169–73, including four titles, ArenaBowl XVI, ArenaBowl XVIII, ArenaBowl XXI, and ArenaBowl XXVIII.

Early life

Arbet attended Edison High School in Stockton, California, where he was a standout in football and track & field.

College career

Arbet played four seasons for the Sacramento State Hornets football team from 1981 to 1985 as a defensive end.

Professional career

Los Angeles Cobras

Arbet joined the Los Angeles Cobras in 1988.

Maryland Commandos

Arbet played for the Maryland Commandos in 1989.

Coaching career

Sacramento State

Arbet coached tight ends at his alma mater in 1990.

Albany Firebirds

Arbet received a job coaching fullbacks and linebackers for the Albany Firebirds in 1992. When defensive coordinator Doug Kay, received the offer to coach the Charlotte Rage in 1995, Arbet was promoted to defensive coordinator by the Firebirds.

San Jose SaberCats

On January 13, 1999, the San Jose SaberCats named Arbet their second head coach in franchise history. He won four ArenaBowls with the SaberCats. He also served as general manager, and later bought a stake in the team. His tenure ended when the SaberCats pulled out of the AFL shortly after winning their fourth ArenaBowl.

Humboldt State University

Arbet became the Assistant Head Coach, linebackers coach, and special teams coordinator for the Humboldt State Lumberjacks in 2016.

Cabrillo Junior College

Head Coach 2017–2020

Bay Area Panthers

General Manager and Head Coach 2023

AFL head coaching record

Personal life

In 2002, Arbet became the first African-American head coach to win a pro-football championship when he coached the SaberCats to a victory at ArenaBowl XVI. His nephew is former AFL player Kevin Arbet.