Ross Re-Signs for 2027
Published on September 15, 2026 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release
MOLINE, IL - The Steamwheelers have announced that Cory Ross will return as Head Coach for the 2027 season, marking his ninth season as Head Coach of the Steamwheelers and his 15th year coaching overall.
Ross has been a central figure in the Steamwheelers' modern era, during his tenure and guiding the organization to some of the most successful seasons in franchise history.
His accomplishments with the Steamwheelers include:
2025 IFL Coach of the Year
2022 Eastern Conference Championship
2025 Eastern Conference Championship Game appearance
2025 Eastern Conference No. 1 Seed, the first No. 1 seed for the Steamwheelers since the franchise's rebirth in 2018
Four consecutive playoff appearances from 2022-2025
3-3 postseason record
One National Championship appearance
The 2026 season marked the first time since the Steamwheelers returned to play in 2022 that the organization did not qualify for the playoffs, bringing an end to a four-season postseason run.
As the organization turns its attention toward 2027, Ross returns with a renewed focus and a clear championship objective.
"I'm coming back renewed and refocused, ready to pour everything I have into our players and this program. We're raising the standard together and building something worthy of a championship."
- Cory Ross, Head Coach
Ross' return provides continuity at the top of the Steamwheelers football program as the organization begins its offseason preparations, including roster construction, player development and preparation for the 2027 Indoor Football League season.
Throughout his eight completed seasons as Steamwheelers Head Coach, Ross has helped establish the organization as a consistent postseason contender while reaching several milestones in the franchise's modern era.
"He knows this organization, he knows our expectations, and he understands the level of commitment it takes to build a successful program. We're ready to get to work," said Destiny Brown, General Manager of the Steamwheelers.
For an organization built around a winning tradition, the 2026 season provided an opportunity to evaluate the program, learn from the challenges of the season and identify what is necessary to move forward.
"Winning traditions don't disappear because you have a difficult season," Brown said. "They are rebuilt through the choices you make afterward. We learned what we needed to learn. We know what we need to protect. And we know what we need to change."
Now, entering his ninth season as Head Coach of the Steamwheelers, Ross returns with the opportunity to lead the organization into its next chapter.
The organization will immediately turn its attention toward building the 2027 roster, developing its football staff and establishing the foundation for another championship pursuit.
The standard is set. The goal is clear. The work toward 2027 starts now.
Indoor Football League Stories from September 15, 2026
- Tulsa Oilers Football Hosts Professional Tryout on October 24 - Tulsa Oilers
- Arkansas Diamonds Announce Move to Little Rock, Barton Coliseum as New Home - Arkansas Diamonds
- Ross Re-Signs for 2027 - Quad City Steamwheelers
- Corey Roberson Named Head Coach of New Mexico Chupacabras - New Mexico Chupacabras
- Arkansas Diamonds Make Little Rock Home for New Era in the IFL - Arkansas Diamonds
- Jacksonville Sharks Lands New York Giants 4th Round Draft Pick QB Kyle Lauletta - Jacksonville Sharks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
