The Atlanta Legends have a change at head coach – a month before the franchise will play its first game.
The Alliance of American Football League debuts next month, and Brad Childress will not be at the helm of the Atlanta franchise. The team announced in the early-morning hours of Wednesday that Kevin Coyle will succeed Childress. Coyle was the team’s defensive coordinator after a 17-year career as an NFL assistant.
“Coach Childress has stepped away from his role as head coach of The Atlanta Legends,” AAF head of football operations J.K. McKay said in a statement. “We are grateful for his leadership, contribution to building The Alliance, and wish him well in his next endeavor.”
No reason was given for the resignation of Childress. He was named head coach of the Legends in April. The 62-year-old was the head coach of the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings, where he compiled a 39-35 record and a berth in the NFC Championship game after the 2009 season.
The Legends begin play Feb. 9.
“I appreciate this opportunity that The Alliance has given me to work with our 75 players as head coach and prepare them for the upcoming season,” Coyle said in a statement. “ I have learned a lot from Brad and am thankful for his support in this journey. I look forward to putting together a team that Atlanta can be proud to support and bring the city a championship.”