With permanent departure of HC Jim Tomsula, Rhein Fire navigate coaching shifts amid pursuit of historic three-peat

The Rhein Fire, two-time defending European League of Football (ELF) champions, face a pivotal juncture in their 2025 campaign following the departures of head coach Jim Tomsula and offensive coordinator Ed Warinner, announced this week by General Manager Max Paatz.

Tomsula steps away for family priorities
Tomsula, who guided the Fire to consecutive titles in 2023 and 2024, has returned to the U.S. and has now notified the team that he will not be returning due to serious illnesses in his family. “Jim communicated clearly that being present for his family was paramount after decades in football,” Paatz stated. The 55-year-old coach’s absence leaves a void, but the organization emphasized plans to discuss a potential future role once his personal circumstances stabilize.

Warinner’s exit compounds offensive reshuffle
Warinner, the offensive architect during Rhein’s title runs, mutually agreed to terminate his contract this week following a rocky start to 2024. Injuries and schematic struggles plagued the unit, which scored just 18.3 points per game in recent losses to Paris and Vienna. “Circumstances were complex, and we’re grateful for Ed’s contributions,” Paatz noted. Warinner, who requested an early return stateside, thanked players and fans: “I’ve truly enjoyed my time here.”

Interim leadership stabilizes ship
Richard Kent, interim head coach during 2025 preseason preparations, reassumes the role permanently. He’ll collaborate with wide receivers coach Mario Schulz and quarterbacks Chad Jeffries and Rohat Dagdelen to design offensive schemes ahead of Saturday’s home clash against the Hamburg Sea Devils. A new offensive coordinator is expected to be named next week.

Team embraces adversity
Players have responded calmly to the upheaval, per Paatz: “We’re controlling what we can—effort, preparation, unity.” The Fire’s 3-3 record marks their first midseason slump since joining the ELF, but veterans like Jeffries emphasize resilience: “Championships aren’t won in June. We’ll peak when it matters.”

Road ahead
Rhein’s immediate focus centers on reigniting their ground game (league-worst 78 rushing yards per contest) and leveraging Schulz’s familiarity with personnel. A July 6 rematch with the Stuttgart Surge looms as a litmus test for the retooled staff.

Historical context
No ELF team has three-peated since the league’s 2021 inception. The Fire’s ability to navigate this transition could define their legacy—or signal a changing of the guard.