The Tirol Raiders continue to rebuild their coaching staff. After Charlie Eger was already introduced as the new offensive coordinator, changes are now coming to the defensive staff. Jim Ward will be the new linebacker coach of the Raiders.

"I am especially fired up to join the Raiders Tirol," says Ward happily. The US-American knows Europe well. Over the past 13 years, he has coached in Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Germany. He has also coached in the ELF for the Helvetic Guards (now Mercenaries) and most recently for the Milano Seamen.

He has also already faced the Tirol Raiders. "I have competed against the Raiders on numerous occasions. They have always been a class organization and one of the top programs in all of Europe," Ward praises his new team. He adds: "The opportunity to win a championship and work with some great people was a deciding factor in my decision."

Raiders General Manager Ulz Däuber is looking forward to the new addition to the coaching team: "Coach Ward brings a wealth of experience to our staff. He has been part of some of the most respected European programs over more than a decade. Our players and staff will benefit tremendously from Coach Ward's expertise."

Preparations for the season are underway in Tirol.

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