The Hamburg Sea Devils have started their rebuild. Matt Johnson is the name of the new head coach of the two-time runner-up. The 35-year-old played quarterback for the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes (2013) in the GFL and for the BC Lions and Saskatchewan Roughriders (2011-2012) in the CFL. After that, the coach worked as a quarterback coach at Bethune Cookman University and for several years successfully at various high schools before moving to McDaniel College as offensive coordinator last year. Johnson can already draw on a broad network in German football and specifically northern Germany, as the Sea Devils explained.

"Build a championship mentality"

Matt Johnson is looking forward to his new role in Europe's top league: "I was last in Germany as a player in 2013. I've kept in touch with many of my former teammates and coaches, so I'm really looking forward to seeing a lot of them again. It's exciting to return in this role and help develop the sport that has given me so many great experiences in my life. Most of all, I'm looking forward to getting to know the team and the staff. We will get to work as soon as possible. Our ultimate goal is to bring the championship back to Hamburg. That's why it's important to set the standard high from day one and build a championship mentality."

It's fresh water that’s gushing in the harbor city after the departure of Max Paatz, former defensive coordinator Kendral Ellison and former head coach Charles Jones.