ELF: Wroclaw Panthers sign former Wyoming University HC Dave Christensen

The Wroclaw Panthers of the European league of Football have found their new head coach in long-time college football coach Dave Christensen.

The 61-year-old has coached at several division one NCAA programs during his career including Arizona State, Texas A&M, Utah, Missouri, Washington, Idaho, Toledo, and Wyoming where he was head coach of the Cowboys from 2009 – 2013 leading them to a 27-35 record, two bowl appearances, and a New Mexico Bowl trophy in five seasons.

Prior to becoming the head coach in Laramie Wyoming, Christensen coached junior college and high school football before becoming the offensive line coach at his Alma mater the University of Washington. From there Christensen coached the offensive line for the University of Idaho and Toledo University, before being promoted to offensive coordinator of the Toledo Rockets in 1997. There, Christensen first deployed his passing-oriented version of the no-huddle spread offense.

In 2001, he became the offensive coordinator at the University of Missouri, there Christensen was the architect of several record-breaking offenses. During the 2007 season, Christensen’s offense used his scheme to near perfection scoring a school-record 558 points. Additionally, Missouri ranked fifth in total offensive yards (490.29 per game), eighth in scoring offense (39.86 points per game), and ninth in passing yards (314.07 per game) led by Heisman finalist and future NFL quarterback Chase Daniel, along with future NFL wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Unsuprisingly, Christensen was named offensive coordinator of the year and accepted the head coaching job at the university of Wyoming.

Since leaving Wyoming in 2013, the offensive guru called plays at the University of Utah, before becoming the offensive line coach for Kevin Sumlin at Texas A&M and Arizona State University.

Christensen takes over for longtime Panthers coach Jakub Samel who moved into the sports director’s role for the Panthers. Christensen may be able to tap into more elite coaching knowledge as last year former Super Bowl winning head coach Gary Kubiak was a special consultant to Wroclaw. So far, the Panthers have been busy signing former D1 American defenders Solomon Brown and FCS All-American Artèvius Smith. However, Christensen’s coveted quarterback spot remains a mystery.

Alex is a former NCAA and semi-pro American football player who is now located in London, where he works in digital marketing. His goal in writing for AFI is to stay involved with the game that has given him so much. Alex enjoys covering leagues and