Finland: Wasa Royals add Jimmie Johnson III as Offensive Coordinator for 2026 Maple League season

| American Football | 01/10/2026

The Wasa Royals have made a key addition to their coaching staff, signing Jimmie Johnson III as offensive coordinator for the 2026 Finnish Maple League season. The 27-year-old American coach brings a blend of youth, ambition, and transatlantic experience to the Royals’ offensive planning.

A rising coaching talent
Johnson played running back at Washington and Lee University (NCAA D3) before launching his coaching career there in 2020. He moved to Europe in 2024, joining the ELF‘s Paris Musketeers as special teams coordinator and running backs coach. He has also consulted for European clubs like the Belfast Trojans and Cannes Iron Mask, building a reputation for his focus on player development and special teams excellence.

Focus on fundamentals and attitude
Johnson will now take charge of the Royals’ entire offense for the first time. In the team’s press release, he emphasized his philosophy: building an offense that excels in fundamentals, effort, and situational awareness. Head coach Seppo Evwaraye highlighted Johnson’s hunger and ambition as ideal traits for a coordinator tasked with elevating the Royals’ attack. With this hiring, the Royals signal a clear intent to compete with discipline and toughness in the Maple League.

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