Electronic Arts announced that NFL Head Coach 09 is now available in retail stores throughout North America, just in time for the official start of the NFL’s 2008 regular season. NFL Head Coach 09 is an entirely redesigned game that offers a complete NFL coaching experience. With deep strategic game planning features, NFL Head Coach 09 places gamers in the coach’s seat by allowing users to comprehensively scout the opponent, build custom playbooks, and develop a team that will adapt to the philosophy and system of an NFL franchise. The authenticity and depth of NFL Head Coach 09 is unrivaled; yet, its reinvented design will allow users to navigate through the game with ease.

For the ultimate sports strategy enthusiast, the game offers several features that create an authentic head coaching experience. One of the game’s most innovative and popular features is the ability to create custom plays and seamlessly import them into Madden NFL 09. Because a coach’s playbook is fundamental to a team’s success, in NFL Head Coach 09, gamers can build their own customized playbook with “Play Creator”. Play options are endless, as gamers have the ability to create customized plays step-by-step. A gamer’s personal playbook will automatically be available in his or her profile when he or she loads Madden NFL 09. Customized plays can even be shared with other users online.

During the in-game live events, the heat is on as users negotiate contracts and make crucial choices about free agents and trades. Gamers will be under pressure as the seconds tick away on the live clock while they attempt to execute on decisions that they believe are in the best interest of their franchise.

The in-game NFL Draft feature creates an authentic rendition of the NFL’s biggest off-season event. As the head coach, users have the opportunity to draft their next superstar, trade up or down and receive draft pick suggestions from their coaching staff. Gamers will have access to an extensive amount of information that will aid in his or her attempt to reach the ultimate goal of creating a dream franchise.

NFL Head Coach 09 will be the first-ever EA SPORTS game fully available via digital download on a console at launch. The download is exclusively available on the PLAYSTATION 3 as of September 4th. The downloadable game contains all the same features as the traditional packaged version.

NFL Head Coach 09 is available at retailers for the PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360.