Finland: Seinäjoki Crocodiles lock down head coach Jaime Hill for 2026
The Seinäjoki Crocodiles have ensured coaching continuity by re-signing head coach Jaime Hill for the 2026 Finnish Maple League season following his successful debut campaign in which he guided the team to its fourth consecutive Maple Bowl championship game appearance.
Proven leadership and championship pedigree
Hill brings extensive coaching experience to his return engagement with Seinäjoki, having most recently led the Fehervar Enthroners in the European League of Football during the 2022-23 seasons before joining the Crocodiles for 2025. His coaching journey includes significant collegiate experience serving as defensive coordinator at Brigham Young University from 2006-10, where he earned Assistant Coach of the Year honors in 2007, and professional experience as a defensive coach with the San Francisco 49ers from 1997-99. This diverse background has provided Hill with comprehensive defensive expertise that has translated effectively to the European and Finnish football landscapes.
Building on championship foundation
The decision to retain Hill reflects the Crocodiles‘ commitment to maintaining their championship standard while leveraging his proven ability to develop winning programs across multiple leagues and countries. His career achievements include 12 conference championships, seven bowl game appearances with five victories, and ten playoff appearances, demonstrating consistent success throughout his coaching journey. This track record of achievement aligns with Seinäjoki‘s championship expectations and provides confidence that the organization can continue its dominance in the Maple League under his continued leadership.
Future outlook and expectations
Hill’s return provides stability and continuity for a program that has established itself as one of the premier teams in Finnish American football. His extensive experience at collegiate, professional, and international levels brings valuable strategic insight and player development expertise that should help the Crocodiles maintain their competitive edge. The re-signing signals the organization’s confidence in Hill’s leadership and strategic vision as they look toward the 2026 season and their pursuit of continued excellence in the Finnish Maple League.
