FORMER IFL LINEBACKER AND 2023 CHAMPION JOINS ROB KEEFE’S STAFF

WES BOWERS NAMED CO-DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR AND DEFENSIVE FRONT COACH

ATHENS, Ga. — October 27, 2026 — The Athens Crush have announced that Wes Bowers will join the coaching staff as Co-Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Front Coach, transitioning to the sidelines after concluding his professional playing career in the Indoor Football League (IFL).

Bowers reunites with Crush Head Coach and Director of Football Operations Rob Keefe, under whom he played during his professional career with the Bay Area Panthers. The two were together for Bay Area’s 2023 IFL championship season, giving Bowers firsthand knowledge of Keefe’s defensive philosophy, expectations, and approach to the indoor game.

His transition from player to coach brings valuable experience, championship pedigree, and familiarity with the Crush coaching staff as Athens prepares for its inaugural season.

“Wes is a guy who has played for me, understands how we want to play defense, and knows what it takes to win at this level,” said Keefe. “He was a key part of our championship culture in Bay Area, and I’m excited to have him join our staff. Wes has a great football mind, brings tremendous energy, and understands the physicality and details required to be successful in this game. I believe he has a bright future as a coach, and I’m glad he’ll be part of what we’re building here in Athens.”

Bowers spent three seasons with the Bay Area Panthers before joining the New Mexico Chupacabras for the 2026 IFL season. His most productive season came in 2023, when he helped the Panthers capture the IFL championship. Bowers recorded 53 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble on his way to winning the title.

Bowers also brings an accomplished collegiate résumé to Athens. He played three seasons at Georgetown University from 2017 to 2019 before completing his college career at Bowie State University in 2021. At Georgetown, he appeared in 29 games and recorded 190 tackles. His standout 2018 season earned him All-Patriot League and FCS All-American recognition after he registered 91 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions, and seven passes defended.

At Bowie State, Bowers recorded 58 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss, and two sacks while helping the Bulldogs win their third consecutive CIAA championship. He graduated with a degree in Justice, Peace Studies, and Government.

Now entering the coaching profession, Bowers will help lead the Crush defense while working with the defensive front, drawing on his experience competing against some of the IFL’s top offenses and his familiarity with Keefe’s system.

“I’m excited to begin this next chapter of my football career with the Athens Crush,” said Bowers. “Having played for Coach Keefe and experienced what it takes to win a championship under his leadership, I can’t wait to develop our players, build a defense that plays with toughness, discipline, and relentless effort, and help bring a championship to Athens.”

The Athens Crush will play eight regular-season home games at Akins Ford Arena during the 2027 season. Season tickets and additional team information are available at AthensCrush.com.

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About the Athens Crush

The Athens Crush are a new professional Indoor Football League (IFL) franchise set to begin play in March 2027 at Akins Ford Arena in Athens, Georgia. Led by an ownership group that includes Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis, College Football Hall of Famer David Pollack, and former MLB All-Star and NFL standout Brian Jordan, the organization is committed to bringing high-energy, family-friendly entertainment and championship-caliber football to the Classic City. For more information, visit AthensCrush.com.

About the Indoor Football League

The Indoor Football League (IFL) is the premier professional indoor football league in North America and the longest continuously operating indoor football league in the United States. Entering its 19th season, the IFL features fast-paced, high-scoring action played on a 50-yard field inside arenas across the country. For more information, visit GoIFL.com.