Barnstormers Announce 2024 Coaching Staff
November 9, 2023 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release
DES MOINES - The Iowa Barnstormers have finalized their coaching staff for the 2024 season, General Manager Juli Pettit announced today.
Returning for his third year as Head Coach of the Iowa Barnstormers, Dave Mogensen brings a multitude of coaching experience on all levels to the organization. Mogensen joined the Iowa Barnstormers with a clear understanding of what the organization is looking to achieve both on and off the field. After a successful first season with the organization, leading to the team to the playoffs and showcasing a commitment to the Des Moines community, Mogensen and the team experienced a sophomore slump when injuries plagued the team in 2023.
Looking to get the Barnstormers back on track in 2024, Coach Mogensen has shaken up the coaching staff making hires to accommodate the best needs of the organization and athletes.
"A football coaching staff is like a family," said Coach Mogensen. "During the season you spend more time together than you do with your actual family. Last year we had a disconnect with the family, that's not a knock on the guys we had, but the mixture just didn't jive like it needed to for success to happen. Ultimately, we made the decision to make a move midseason to change some of the coaching staff up and then go looking for the right pieces after the season."
The right pieces are Defensive Coordinator Anson Yarborough and Special Teams Coordinator Carmelo Velazquez who both signed on to their roles with the Iowa Barnstormers in August.
Coach Yarborough joins the organization with both coaching and playing experience in the arena game. He has had success as a coach in both the NAL and AAL and is looking to set the Barnstormers defense up for success in 2024.
"Getting Anson was huge for us," said Mogensen. "He is well respected in the industry as an up and coming coach and frankly was someone I targeted when I first got this job, he just wasn't ready to make a move at that time."
In Mogensen's search for like-minded coaches who were able to teach and had a hunger to win, Yarborough checked all the boxes. And so did Velazquez.
Coach Velazquez brings a unique background in football to the Barnstormers along with a passion for coaching young athletes. Velazquez has his sights set on improving the Barnstormers Special Teams to always give the team the best field position.
"Adding Carmelo, another well respected up and coming coach in our industry was great for us," said Mogensen. "Those two guys have the same mindset as me, they bring accountability with a player-centric mentality and are looking to build their resume for potential head coaching opportunities."
It's no secret that the 2023 season was difficult for the team and fans alike. After injuries tore apart the roster, the Barnstormers just could not get back on track. These coaching moves are essential in getting the Iowa Barnstormers back to their winning ways in 2024.
"No qualms about it, last year was tough and unacceptable," said Mogensen. "I am extremely excited about our staff this year. I believe we have the right mix of personalities and will build the foundation on which our 2024 roster can excel. Our jobs as coaches are to motivate these men and put them in a position to succeed on the field. I believe we have the ability to do that at a high level in 2024."
With Coach Mogensen, Coach Yarborough, and Coach Velazquez at the helm, the coaching staff is not complete without the support staff. Joining them for the 2023 season will be:
Payton Haynes, Offensive Assistant
Michael Kirby, Equipment Manager
Dave Auwerda, Offensive Data Analyst
Jimmy Knowles, Defensive Data Analyst
Logan Foster, Director of Player Personnel
"Our analysts are vital to our team and staff, they do so much work behind the scenes," said Mogensen. "The fact that wea re able to bring back Dave for his third season and Jimmy for his second was a big win for us. Kirby is also very important, he returns for his second season as Equipment Manager but he also does so much other stuff for the players and the staff. Logan Foster as Director of Player Personnel is a huge help, especially when we need to plug holes on the roster in the middle and end of the season. With the changeover at some key spots on the coaching staff, having some consistency will go a long way."
As the Barnstormers gear up for the 2024 season, the coaching staff has been working hard to build a roster fit to compete with all eyes looking toward success on the field.
"The biggest thing I'm looking forward to is seeing the whole coaching staff pulling in the same direction, who believe in doing the work as a coach and are willing to put in whatever time is necessary to find success," said Mogensen.
Season Tickets for the Iowa Barnstormers 2024 season are available now! For as low as $128 per seat, fans can enjoy the indoor football action from the same great seat location each game. For more information, call the Barnstormers at 515-633-2255 or visit www.theiowabarnstormers.comPrint Friendly Version
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