The Vienna Vikings, 2025 runners-up in the European League of Football, have made a major coaching move by hiring ELF championship-winning head coach Jordan Neuman as their new offensive coordinator. The 42-year-old Texas native brings a proven track record of success and a familiar face back to Vienna, where he previously served as OC from 2011–2013.
A winner wherever he goes
Neuman’s coaching résumé speaks for itself. Most recently, he engineered one of the most impressive turnarounds in European football history with the Stuttgart Surge. Taking over in 2023 after the team went 0–12 the previous season, he immediately led them to a 10–2 record and a championship game appearance. In 2025, he guided the Surge all the way to an ELF title, defeating his new team—the Vienna Vikings—by a score of 24–17 in a thrilling championship showdown.
Before his time in Stuttgart, Neuman built a dynasty as head coach of the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns in the German Football League, where he won three German Bowls and twice claimed the CEFL title. His teams were known for their discipline, creativity, and ability to perform when it mattered most.
Returning to familiar ground
Neuman is no stranger to Vienna or the Vikings organization. From 2011 to 2013, he served as offensive coordinator under Head Coach Chris Calaycay, helping lead the team to two Austrian Bowls and a Eurobowl championship. His return marks not only a professional reunion but a personal one—Neuman and Calaycay have remained close friends ever since their first stint together.
Calaycay couldn’t hide his excitement about the hire:
“It goes without saying that I am extremely excited about this signing. Jordan is not only one of my best friends, he is also one of the most brilliant coaching minds in Europe. His comeback to Vienna feels kind of nostalgic. I can’t wait to get to work with him again.”
Building for the future
General Manager Max Paatz also emphasized the long-term value Neuman brings to the organization:
“With Jordan Neuman, we are getting an experienced coach with a lot of experience in European football, who can develop young talents and has always worked in a structured and very successful way.”
Neuman himself called the decision to return to Vienna a “no brainer,” and added:
“I’m very excited to be back with the Vikings… I have great memories here in Vienna, and walking into the offices and seeing so many familiar faces makes it feel like I never left.”
With Neuman calling plays and Calaycay leading the sideline, the Vienna Vikings are clearly all-in on recapturing the ELF title that barely slipped away in 2025. For a franchise with championship expectations, this might be the move that puts them back over the top.