ELF: Munich Ravens sign Kendral Ellison as head coach

The Munich Ravens have signed Kendral Ellison as their new head coach, replacing John Shoop who parted ways with the team following the 2023 European League of Football season.

Ellison served the past two years as the Hamburg Sea Devils defensive coordinator and will now be stepping up as a head coach and defensive coordinator for the Ravens.

Prior to his time in the ELF, Ellison had a rich history around Europe. The US-American began his European career as a linebacker for teams such as the Pori Bears and Lubeck Seals from 2010, before joining the Hamburg Huskies in 2012. 

Ellison spent the majority of the last 10 years in Hamburg as a coach and player for the Huskies, with brief stints at the Saarland Hurricanes and Pardubice Stallions. 

“Being named the new head coach of the Munich Ravens is an honor and a privilege. I am extremely grateful and blessed to have this opportunity. Over the past few years, I have worked tirelessly on my craft, learning from smart coaches and continuing to lay the groundwork while waiting for the perfect opportunity to present itself. Needless to say, the opportunity couldn’t be more perfect. Bavaria is beautiful, Munich is great and has a great sports tradition, the Munich Ravens fans are phenomenal, the owners have a clear plan, and the team has shown what it is capable of in its first year. Now it’s my job to bring all of that together into a Bavarian powerhouse. To leave a legacy that Bavarian football fans and players will remember and talk about for many years to come!”

The Ravens are coming off a successful debut season, with an impressive 7-5 record. Munich have seemingly taken huge steps to further improve this with the addition of Ellison as well as NFL Hall-of-Famer Joe Thomas.