The Madrid Bravos continue building their coaching staff for the upcoming European League of Football season by adding veteran international coach Jim Ward as their new linebackers coach, bringing aboard someone with extensive experience across multiple European leagues and a proven track record of developing defensive talent.
Extensive European experience
Ward is no stranger to European football, having coached across the continent since 2011 with stops in Finland, Sweden, Czechia, Austria, Hungary, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and now Spain. His impressive resume includes five national championships and successful tenures with numerous organizations. Most recently, he served as defensive coordinator for the Helvetic Guards in the ELF during their inaugural 2023 season after previously working as defensive coordinator for the Braunschweig New Yorker Lions in the German Football League in 2022, where his defense ranked third in both points and yards allowed.
Familiar with ELF landscape
Ward brings specific ELF experience to the Bravos, having previously served as head coach of the Milano Seamen and linebackers coach for the Raiders Tirol in addition to his coordinator role with the Guards. His understanding of the league’s dynamics and talent level makes him particularly valuable as the Bravos look to improve their defensive performance. Before coming to Europe, Ward built his foundation through years of coaching Texas high school football and at the collegiate level with University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (NCAA Division III) and Carson-Newman College (NCAA Division II).
Championship pedigree
The Texas native has consistently produced winning results throughout his European coaching career. He led the Fehervar Enthroners to their first-ever Hungarian Football League championship in 2019, guided the Prague Black Panthers to back-to-back Czech titles while also reaching the Austrian semifinals in 2015, and took the Örebro Black Knights to the Swedish Superserien title game in 2013. His first European stop with Finland’s Seinäjoki Crocodiles resulted in a 19-4 regular season record and appearances in the 2011 Maple Bowl championship and 2012 semifinals.
Strengthening the Bravos’ foundation
By adding Ward to their staff, the Madrid Bravos gain a respected defensive mind with deep knowledge of European football and a history of building successful defenses. His experience developing players at multiple levels and his familiarity with the ELF make him an ideal addition as the Bravos work to establish themselves as competitive contenders in the league’s challenging landscape.