FAMILIAR FACE RETURNS AMID LIONS RESHUFFLE
The Prague Lions have reshuffled their coaching staff to bring back former head coach Dave Warner as offensive coordinator following the unexpected departure of Fred Armstrong — but the move does not necessarily relate to the team’s 0-2 start to the inaugural European Football Alliance season.
The changes were announced by the Lions on social media earlier this week where, in a brief statement, the club thanked Armstrong for his contribution to the organisation and wished him and his family well.
“We want to thank Coach Armstrong for his dedication, leadership, and commitment to the Prague Lions organisation,” the post’s accompanying text said. “We wish him and his family nothing but strength and the very best moving forward. Thank you for everything, Coach.”
Armstrong departs after serving as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator for just a few months, having joined the Lions as part of the coaching staff assembled by new head coach James Brooks. The simultaneous announcement of Warner’s appointment only adds to the suggestion that family reasons were behind Armstrong’s departure.
Warner’s return is significant not simply because of his familiarity with the organisation, but because he was widely viewed as one of the architects of Prague’s recent development. Stepping into the role of head coach in Czechia after a successful college football career and a year as OC at the Madrid Bravos, Warner was instrumental in producing the Lions’ first winning season, but headed back to Spain to take the senior role in Madrid on Andrew Weidinger’s departure. With the Spanish franchise not competing in 2026, however, the veteran was available to answer the call from a Prague team searching for stability after a difficult opening fortnight in the new EFA.
“We are proud to welcome Dave Warner back as our offensive coordinator,” the Lions’ social post confirmed. “We’re excited to have him back on the sidelines and part of the Lions family once again.”
By appointing Warner as offensive coordinator rather than replacing Brooks, the Lions appear to be maintaining their overall leadership structure while adding a coach with extensive experience of both the organisation and the European game. The timing of the move, however, comes with Prague still seeking its first victory of the season, having opened their EFA campaign with defeats to both the Nordic Storm and Paris Musketeers leaving them at the foot of the early standings.