The European League of Football (ELF) is set to kick off its 2025 season with 16 teams from nine countries, each led by a head coach bringing unique experience and vision to their respective franchises. Here's an overview of the head coaches steering the teams:

DIVISION NORTH 

Berlin Thunder - Jag Bal

Returning to Berlin Thunder as head coach, Jag Bal brings a wealth of experience from both playing and coaching in Europe. His previous tenure with the Thunder in 2021 and roles with teams like the Berlin Adler and Cologne Centurions highlight his deep understanding of European football dynamics. Fans can expect a disciplined and strategic approach, aiming to elevate the Thunder's performance in the league.

Hamburg Sea Devils - Shuan Fatah

Shuan Fatah, one of Germany's most successful football coaches, takes the helm of the Hamburg Sea Devils. With multiple championships, including German Bowls and Eurobowls, Fatah emphasizes building a strong team foundation by focusing on local talent and detailed preparation. Supporters can anticipate a revitalized team committed to reclaiming its former glory to "Catch the Wave".

Nordic Storm - John Shoop

Leading the new expansion team, Nordic Storm, is John Shoop, an American coach with extensive experience in both the NFL and college football. His offensive expertise and commitment to player development are expected to lay a competitive foundation for the team in their inaugural season. The Storm head coach was the former Munich Ravens heads coach and Rhein Fire offensive coordinator in the ELF.  

Rhein Fire - Jim Tomsula

Jim Tomsula continues as the head coach for Rhein Fire, bringing a wealth of NFL experience, including a head coaching stint with the San Francisco 49ers. Under his leadership, Rhein Fire clinched the ELF Championship in 2024. Fans can expect a continuation of his defensive prowess and a team poised to defend their title.

DIVISION WEST

Cologne Centurions - Javan Lenhardt

Javan Lenhardt steps into the role of head coach for the Cologne Centurions. With a background in coaching various European teams, Lenhardt is known for his defensive strategies and player development skills. Centurions supporters can look forward to a disciplined and resilient team on the field.

Frankfurt Galaxy - Bart Andrus

Bart Andrus, with a coaching career spanning the NFL, CFL, and NFL Europe, takes charge of Frankfurt Galaxy. Notably, he led the Amsterdam Admirals to a World Bowl victory in 2005. Andrus's vast experience is set to bring a strategic and seasoned approach, aiming to elevate the Galaxy's performance in the league to 2021 standards.

Paris Musketeers - Jack Del Rio

The Paris Musketeers have made a significant acquisition by appointing Jack Del Rio as head coach. With 12 seasons as an NFL head coach, leading teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders, Del Rio brings a wealth of experience. His defensive acumen and leadership are expected to propel the Musketeers to new heights in the ELF. 

Stuttgart Surge - Jordan Neuman

Jordan Neuman continues to lead Stuttgart Surge, bringing a track record of success from his time with the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns in the German Football League. Known for his offensive strategies and player-centric coaching style, Neuman aims to build on the team's previous successes and push for championship contention.

DIVISION SOUTH

Helvetic Mercenaries - Marcus Herford

Marcus Herford takes over as head coach for the Helvetic Mercenaries. With previous coaching roles in the ELF and a successful tenure with the Hildesheim Invaders in the German Football League, Herford is known for his dynamic coaching style. Fans can expect an invigorated team with a focus on development and competitiveness.

Madrid Bravos - Andrew Weidinger

Andrew Weidinger brings a wealth of experience to the Madrid Bravos, having previously served as the offensive coordinator for Rhein Fire, leading them to back-to-back ELF championships. His offensive expertise and leadership are anticipated to make the Bravos a formidable force in the league.

Munich Ravens - Kendral Ellison

Kendral Ellison continues as the head coach for the Munich Ravens. With a background in European football and a focus on building strong, cohesive units, Ellison is dedicated to developing local talent and implementing strategic gameplay to enhance the Ravens' competitiveness.

Raiders Tirol - Jim Herrmann

Jim Herrmann remains at the helm of Raiders Tirol. With extensive coaching experience, including a Super Bowl win as a linebackers coach with the New York Giants, Herrmann brings a wealth of knowledge. His defensive expertise is expected to keep the Raiders as strong contenders in the league.

DIVISION EAST 

Fehérvár Enthroners - Mark Ridgley

Mark Ridgley leads the Fehérvár Enthroners into the 2025 season. With a background in coaching multiple teams across Europe and a history of player development, Ridgley focuses on a disciplined approach to the game. His coaching philosophy is centered on team unity and building a competitive program capable of challenging top teams in the ELF.

Prague Lions - Dave Warner

Dave Warner continues as the head coach for the Prague Lions. With decades of coaching experience at the collegiate level, including time at Michigan State as an offensive coordinator, Warner brings a deep understanding of offensive playmaking. His ability to develop quarterbacks and establish an effective passing game will be crucial for the Lions' success in 2025.

Vienna Vikings - Chris Calaycay

Chris Calaycay remains the head coach of the Vienna Vikings, leading them to an undefeated regular season in 2024. With multiple championships under his belt, Calaycay's leadership and strategic acumen are expected to keep the Vikings at the forefront of the league.

Panthers Wrocław - Craig Kuligowski

Craig Kuligowski continues as the head coach for Panthers Wrocław. Known for his extensive experience coaching defensive lines in top U.S. college programs, Kuligowski brings a strong defensive mentality to the Panthers. His focus on developing an aggressive front and disciplined defense is expected to make Wrocław a formidable contender in 2025.