ELF: Helvetic Mercenaries sign Tony Simmons as Head Coach for 2026
The Helvetic Mercenaries have made a major coaching move, naming former NFL and CFL receiver Tony Simmons as their new head coach for the 2026 European League of Football season. The experienced international coach brings a wealth of knowledge from his playing and coaching career across multiple continents to the Swiss franchise.
Impressive playing background
Simmons’ credentials begin with a standout college career at the University of Wisconsin, where he earned the nickname “Touchdown Tony” by setting what was then a program record with 23 career touchdown receptions and helping the Badgers win a Rose Bowl. His professional career spanned five NFL seasons with the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, and New York Giants, plus stints in NFL Europe with the Barcelona Dragons and the CFL with the Edmonton Eskimos and BC Lions, where he won a Grey Cup championship.
Global coaching experience
Since transitioning to coaching, Simmons has built an incredible international resume, working with championship-caliber teams across the globe. His coaching journey includes leading the Imola Ravens (Italy, 2024), Wroclaw Panthers (Poland, 2022), Los Cabos Marlins (Mexico, 2020), and back-to-back stints with Norway’s Eidsvoll 1814s (2018, 2019). He has also coached Australia’s Melton Wolves (2019) and Germany’s Rosenheim Rebels (2018), in addition to teams in Hungary (Bekescsaba Raptors), Denmark (Triangle Razorbacks), India (Elite Football League of India), Russia (head coach of national team and Moscow Patriots), and most recently Switzerland with the Lausanne Owls.
Taking over the Mercenaries
Simmons takes over immediately, responsible for all sporting aspects of the Mercenaries including training planning, player development, and match preparation. The organization sees his hiring as a significant step toward professionalizing their football operations and building a competitive ELF franchise. With his unique background spanning the highest levels of professional football and emerging markets, Simmons brings both credibility and practical experience to guide the Mercenaries into the 2026 season.
