The European League of Football (ELF) has made significant strides in elevating the sport’s profile across the continent, attracting seasoned professionals with extensive NFL experience. A testament to this trend is the recent appointment of Jack Del Rio as the head coach of the Paris Musketeers. Del Rio joins Jim Tomsula of Rhein Fire as one of the two former NFL head coaches currently leading ELF teams, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to European football.

Jack Del Rio’s Appointment to the Paris Musketeers

On January 17, 2025, the Paris Musketeers announced the hiring of Jack Del Rio as their new head coach. Del Rio’s coaching career spans over three decades in the NFL, including head coaching stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Oakland Raiders. During his time with the Jaguars from 2003 to 2011, he led the team to two playoff appearances, achieving a playoff victory in 2007. His time with the Raiders from 2015 to 2017 was highlighted by a 12-4 record in 2016, securing a playoff berth. Overall, Del Rio has amassed 93 career wins as an NFL head coach.

Del Rio expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating, “I’m looking forward to working with this group of men. We will teach, develop, and compete.” Paris Musketeers CEO John McKeon echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Del Rio’s commitment to excellence and passion for teaching the game. McKeon added, “His commitment to excellence and his passion for teaching the game will build upon the tone and culture that was set by our first coach, Marc Mattioli.”

Jim Tomsula’s Impact on Rhein Fire

Jim Tomsula, another former NFL head coach, has been at the helm of Rhein Fire since their reestablishment in the ELF. Tomsula’s coaching résumé includes serving as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers in 2015 and various coaching roles in the NFL Europe, including a previous stint with Rhein Fire in 2006.

Under his leadership, Rhein Fire has experienced remarkable success, culminating in back-to-back ELF championships. In the 2024 season, Tomsula led the team to a dominant 51-20 victory over the Vienna Vikings in the championship game, making Rhein Fire the first team in ELF history to secure consecutive titles.

Tomsula’s coaching philosophy emphasizes adaptability and resilience. He has been praised for always having a response to opponents’ game plans. His ability to foster a winning culture has been instrumental in Rhein Fire’s recent achievements and will be when looking towards the 2025 season. 

2025 - The Season of NFL Coaches in the ELF?

The 2025 ELF season is poised to be highly competitive, with both the Paris Musketeers and Rhein Fire making significant moves to strengthen their rosters and coaching staff. The Musketeers, under Del Rio’s leadership, aim to build upon their successful 2024 campaign, where they achieved a 10-2 regular-season record and reached the semifinals. The addition of Del Rio is expected to enhance the team’s strategic approach and player development, positioning them as strong contenders for the upcoming season.

Rhein Fire, led by Tomsula, will be striving for an unprecedented third consecutive ELF championship. The team’s consistent performance and championship pedigree make them the team to beat. Tomsula’s experience and proven track record suggest that Rhein Fire will continue to be a formidable force in the league.

2025 Season Opener - Clash of Titans

The season opener on May 17, 2025, will feature a marquee matchup between the Paris Musketeers and the defending champions, Rhein Fire. This game will not only showcase the strategic prowess of two former NFL head coaches but also set the tone for the rest of the season. Fans can anticipate a high level of competition and a display of tactical football as both teams vie for early supremacy in the league.

The appointments of Jack Del Rio and Jim Tomsula as head coaches in the ELF signify a growing trend of experienced NFL professionals contributing to the development of American football in Europe. Their leadership is expected to elevate the level of play and competitiveness within the league, providing fans with an exciting and high-quality football experience in the 2025 season and beyond.