Mike Hinman, coach of the Los Angeles Ironmen and formerly of San Diego Dynasty, has just announced via his personal Facebook page that he will be stepping down from professional paintball for the 2014 season:

So after a lot of thought and some serious soul searching I have decided to take a break from being a professional paintball coach. I wish the Ironmen the best in the years to come. Good luck to all my friends for the 2014 season.

This marks the end of a brilliant coaching career for Hinman who lead San Diego Aftermath, San Diego Dynasty and the Los Angeles Ironmen to a combined 13 podium finishes in six seasons, which included Dynasty’s historic 2011 run where the team placed 1st at the Galveston Open, 2nd at the Chicago Open, 2nd at the New Jersey Open, and 3rd at the World Cup in Orlando, FL. Tasked with the difficult job of rebuilding the Los Angeles Ironmen, in 2013 he lead the team to two fourth place finishes, two sixth places, and one seventh.

This leaves the Ironmen in a precarious spot as it is currently unknown who the legendary team may tap as their next coach, and time is swiftly running out on the offseason. With so little full time coaches in the game, it is very likely that the team will promote a coach from within; however with the resources of being the Dye flagship team, nothing can be assumed with absolute accuracy.

We wish Mike the best in his next adventures and hope to hear from him soon. He will continue to operate the WCPPL (West Coast Paintball Players League).