General Manager Max Paatz is leaving the Hamburg Sea Devils at the end of the season and returning to his old home in North Rhine-Westphalia. The 47-year-old will take over the management of Western Conference rival Rhein Fire from October 1. The vacant positions of head coach and general manager at the Sea Devils are to be filled in the near future, the ownership announced.

Getting home for a new opportunity

Max Paatz is joining the European Champion: "For the last 20 years, Northern Germany has been my home. But now it is time for me to return home. Leaving Hamburg still feels strange, frankly speaking, but I know that an exciting task awaits me in Düsseldorf. We have achieved great things together here in the last 3 years and have made Hamburg a force to be reckoned with in European football. For this, the players, coaches, our incredibly dedicated staff, the great colleagues in the office and the sensational fans of the Sea Devils deserve the biggest thanks. Thank you 040! See you around."

A revival

Max Paatz, who grew up in Kleve, North Rhine-Westphalia, spent three years in charge of the Hanseatic front office. He led the Sea Devils to two consecutive finals appearances in 2021 and 2022 after the European League of Football was founded, but were not satisfied with a 4-8 record last season. In the past, Paatz has served as Football Operations Assistant for NFL Europe franchise Rhein Fire.