Veteran of 14 Championship Games Named Assistant Head Coach & Offensive Coordinator
ATHENS, GA — Two of the most accomplished coaches in arena football and indoor football history are teaming up once again.
The Athens Crush have hired veteran coach Les Moss as the team’s Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator for the franchise’s inaugural 2027 season.
The move reunites Moss with Athens Head Coach Rob Keefe for the sixth time. The two have worked together throughout their careers in both the Arena Football League (AFL) and Indoor Football League (IFL), including stops in Albany, Iowa, Northern Arizona, Bay Area, and Orlando.
And wherever Keefe and Moss have coached together, success has followed. The duo has reached the playoffs in every season they have shared a sideline, including two league championships: the 2019 ArenaBowl championship in Albany and the 2022 IFL National Championship in Northern Arizona.
“Coach Moss is an outstanding offensive mind, a tremendous teacher and, most importantly, a winner,” said Keefe. “Having someone with his experience and championship pedigree alongside me as we build the Crush from the ground up is a tremendous advantage.”
Moss brings 35 years of professional football coaching experience to Athens. During his career, he has helped lead seven different organizations to 14 league championship games, including two league titles as a head coach – Jacksonville in 2011 and Northern Arizona in 2022.
His turnaround in Northern Arizona was particularly impressive. Taking over a team that had finished 1-13 the previous season, Moss guided the Wranglers to a 12-4 record, a playoff berth, and an IFL championship, while earning IFL Coach of the Year honors.
Most recently, Moss served as an assistant coach with the Orlando Pirates in 2026, working directly with the team’s offensive line and quarterbacks while also contributing to game planning. Orlando finished the regular season 10-6 before falling to conference champion Green Bay in the opening round of the playoffs. Under Moss, quarterback Paxton DeLaurent was named the IFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. DeLaurent has since signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.
“Coach Keefe and I have been fortunate to experience a lot of success together over the years, and there is a tremendous level of trust and familiarity between us,” said Moss. “When Rob called about Athens, it was an easy decision. The ownership group, the community, and the vision for the Crush are all incredibly exciting. We have a chance to build something special, and I’m looking forward to getting to work and helping build a championship team.”
Football runs deep in the Moss family. Les is the son of legendary coach Perry Moss, who spent more than five decades coaching at the professional and collegiate levels. Perry Moss served as head coach at both Florida State and Marshall before embarking on a successful career in the Arena Football League.
Les Moss now brings that family legacy – along with more than three decades of coaching experience and a proven championship pedigree – to Athens as the Crush prepare for their inaugural season at Akins Ford Arena in March 2027.
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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. Preparing for 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.
Less Moss’ Coaching Background
Served as Head Coach unless otherwise noted.
2026: Orlando Pirates (Offensive Line & Run Game Coordinator)
2025: Bay Area Panthers (Assistant Head Coach)
2022-2024: Northern Arizona Wranglers
2021: Iowa Barnstormers
2018-2019: Albany Empire (Assistant Head Coach)
2010-2016: Jacksonville Sharks
2006-2008: Orlando Predators (Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator)
2004-2005: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers
1991-2003: Orlando Predators (Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator)
1990: Detroit Drive (Assistant Coach)
1988-1989: Chicago Bruisers (Assistant Coach)
Head Coaching Record Regular Season (Playoffs)
2024 Northern Arizona Wranglers (IFL) 9-7
2023 Northern Arizona Wranglers (IFL) 7-8 (1-1)
2022 Northern Arizona Wranglers (IFL) 12-4 (3-0) Won IFL Championship
2021 Iowa Barnstormers (IFL) 6-6 (0-1)
2016 Jacksonville Sharks (AFL) 7-9 (1-1)
2015 Jacksonville Sharks (AFL) 10-8 (2-1)
2014 Jacksonville Sharks (AFL) 7-11
2013 Jacksonville Sharks (AFL) 12-6 (1-1)
2012 Jacksonville Sharks (AIFL) 10-8 (1-1)
2011 Jacksonville Sharks (AFL) 14-4 (3-0) Won ArenaBowl XXIV
2010 Jacksonville Sharks (AFL) 12-4 (0-1)
2005 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers (af2) 9-7 (1-1)
2004 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers (af2) 13-3 (1-1)
Overall Regular Season Record (13 seasons): 128-85 (.601)
Overall Playoff Record (11 seasons): 14-9 (.609)
Overall Head Coaching Record (13 seasons): 142-94 (.602)