Dave Warner named head coach of Madrid Bravos for 2026 season
The Madrid Bravos have appointed Dave Warner as head coach for the 2026 season, replacing Andrew Weidinger, who stepped down for personal reasons. Warner arrives after guiding the Prague Lions to their first winning record (7-5) in franchise history during the 2025 campaign.
Warner returns to Madrid with proven track record
Warner is no stranger to the Bravos, having served as their offensive coordinator in 2024. Under his leadership, the team ranked fifth in scoring (411 points), sixth in total yardage (4,752 yards), and third in rushing (2,143 yards) during their inaugural ELF season. His return signals a commitment to sustaining the offensive identity he helped establish.
Coaching pedigree spans college and Europe
With over 35 years of coaching experience, Warner’s resume includes stints at Michigan State (2007–2018), where he mentored NFL quarterbacks Kirk Cousins, Brian Hoyer, Nick Foles, and Connor Cook—all of whom started playoff games. He also developed running backs Jeremy Langford and LJ Scott, both drafted into the NFL. After Michigan State, Warner revitalized UTEP’s offense in 2021, averaging 393 yards per game.
Tasked with elevating Bravos’ postseason ambitions
The Bravos narrowly missed the 2025 semifinals despite an 8-4 record, falling in the Wildcard Round. Warner’s expertise in quarterback development and run-heavy schemes aligns with the team’s existing strengths, including 2025 MVP quarterback Reid Sinnett. His challenge will be improving defensive consistency while maintaining one of the ELF’s most explosive offenses.
A strategic hire for long-term growth
Warner’s success in Prague—transforming a 3-9 team into a playoff contender in one season—demonstrates his ability to build foundations. For Madrid, his familiarity with the roster and prior success in Spain’s capital offer stability as the franchise eyes its first ELF championship.
