Rhein Fire adds Fred Armstrong as new Offensive Coordinator
Felix Pahl
© Danube DragonsRhein Fire has made a big addition to its coaching staff. Fred Armstrong is the new Offensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach for the reigning back-to-back champions of the European League of Football.
A coach with experience in Europe
Fred Armstrong brings decades of experience to the role. He most recently coached in Austria, where he led the Danube Dragons to a championship in 2023 and a Central European Football League title in 2022. Armstrong has been involved in European football since 1991, coaching in countries like Sweden, Germany, and Austria.
He also brings experience from the NFL, having worked with the New York Giants and New York Jets as a position coach in 2006 and 2015.
Strong connections between clubs
Rhein Fire General Manager Max Paatz thanked the Danube Dragons for their cooperation in making the move possible: “We thank the Danube Dragons and their president Uras Aslan for the open talks and quick release of Coach Fred Armstrong,” Paatz said. “The program in Vienna has become one of the best in Europe. With Chad Jeffries and Destiny Idiahi, we already have two former Dragons on our team.”
Paatz added that Rhein Fire plans to stay in close contact with the Austrian club and expects more collaborations in the future.
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A familiar face for Coach Kent
Head Coach Richard Kent is happy to welcome Armstrong to the team. The two worked together in 2022 with the Leipzig Kings — Armstrong was the Head Coach and Kent was the Defensive Coordinator. They have known each other for more than 20 years.
“Fred Armstrong is a great coach and leader,” said Kent. “He knows how European football works and understands the special challenges that can come with it.”
Ready for the next challenge
Armstrong will immediately join preparations for Rhein Fire’s upcoming away game against the Vienna Vikings. He will work closely with interim Offensive Coordinator Mario Schulz to ensure a smooth transition.
In addition to his new role at Rhein Fire, Armstrong also serves as the Head Coach of the Dutch national team.
With Armstrong’s experience and leadership, Rhein Fire hopes to continue its strong season and push for another championship in the European League of Football.