Boardwalk Empire - 2040.2 - Ferreira, Lockhart Out

[Joshua Biddle]

Gamblers Dismiss Manager Ferreira, Bench Coach Joe Lockhart

The Atlantic City Gamblers formally announced their dismissal of manager Edgar Ferreira and bench coach Joe Lockhart in moves that were widely expected by an organization that has had ample turnover at the position.

Ferreira, 60, took over as manager on an interim basis following the dismissal of Troy Coffman after a 7-12 start, having worked the previous two seasons as the Gamblers’ bench coach. Ferreira certainly didn’t inherit an ideal situation as the team had several holes, including a pitching staff that continues to rank poorly, but reports are Ferreira failed to achieve buy-in from his players and the locker room lacked any sort of positive morale. The contrast in personalities between the fiery Coffman and the more laid-back Ferreira did not yield the boost that occasionally comes with a change in leadership style. Ferreira will reportedly be paid during this coming season as he was under contract for at least one more year (terms of his contract are not public information), even if he signs with another team. It’s unlikely he’ll get another BBA managerial gig immediately, though he will likely be highly sought to join another organization in some capacity.

Lockhart, 62, joined the Gamblers’ organization as an external hire upon the promotion of Ferreira from bench coach to manager. Lockhart agreed to a reported multi-year deal, so the Gamblers’ will also be on the hook for any obligation for at least this coming season. A long-time hitting coach in the minor leagues, Lockhart reached BBA notoriety during his eight years as Jacksonville Hurricanes hitting coach, which includes two Landis Memorial Series victories / championships in 2031 and 2033. It’s likely he’ll find another role, possibly with a BBA team.

The focus now turns to who will become the Gamblers next manager. The team, again, has some solid internal candidates with the majority of their minor league teams playing well, but the team could quite possibly turn to an external candidate after their failures under Coffman – a heralded manager who worked his way up through the Gamblers’ minor league system. There will most certainly be some external candidates who are granted an interview.