Jim Brady resigned today as the New Jersey Storm's head coach, the team announced today.

Brady, who will remain the team's general manager, has been replaced by assistant coach Peter Vipond.

New Jersey lost in Vipond's debut, a 16-14 decision this afternoon at Philadelphia.

Brady, who was the Storm's director of player personnel when it began play in November 2001, took over for the fired Jim Hinkson four games into the team's debut season. Inheriting a 1-3 club, Brady rallied the Storm to a 4-2 record in its last six games and a 5-11 mark overall.

This season, though, the Storm has taken a large step back, struggling at 2-7 before today's defeat. Only the New York Saints (1-7) have a worse record than New Jersey.

However, Storm governor Chip Santye denies that the dismal season had anything to do with the change.

"This was the plan from the beginning," Santye said. "Jim didn’t really want to coach the team this year, but at the time we felt he was the best candidate."

"Peter Vipond is a tremendous coach with a world of experience," Santye added.

Vipond won four Minto Cups playing for the famed Oshawa Green Gaels of the mid-1960s, then went on to play for the Brooklin Redmen. He also played three games for the California Golden Seals of the National Hockey League in 1972-1973.

Vipond later became a successful lacrosse coach, winning one Minto Cup with the Whitby Warriors and five Mann Cups with Brooklin.

"Peter Vipond has been nothing but a head coach all his life," Brady said. "The players like and respect Peter and believe in him."

"Hopefully this move, plus the return of our top goaltender Matt Roik, will be the keys to turn around our luck and lead us to the playoffs."

Roik missed six weeks after arthroscopic knee surgery, but played in today's game.

"I’m excited about the opportunity," Vipond said. "Jim and I discussed at the outset that at some point I would move up."

"I feel pretty good about our team. If we work hard and avoid silly mistakes, things should work out well."