Minnesota Monsters, Duluth, MN (2026)

09/23/2026

MINNESOTA MONSTERS COACHING ANNOUNCEMENT

Minnesota Monsters Hire Cleveland McCoy as Quarterbacks Coach & Offensive Analyst

The Minnesota Monsters are excited to announce the addition of Cleveland McCoy to the coaching staff as Quarterbacks Coach and Offensive Analyst.

McCoy currently serves as the Head Football Coach at C**n Rapids High School, bringing the Monsters not only extensive quarterback expertise, but also the leadership and perspective that comes with running an entire football program.

A former quarterback at South Carolina State University, McCoy went on to pursue professional football opportunities that included time with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL, as well as opportunities with the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. His playing career also included experience in arena and indoor football.

Since transitioning into coaching and player development, McCoy has become well known in the Twin Cities quarterback community. He founded Quarterback Football Training (QBFT) in 2019, working with quarterbacks on throwing mechanics, footwork, decision-making, film study, defensive recognition and the mental demands of playing the position.

His coaching experience, combined with his current responsibilities as a head coach, gives McCoy a unique perspective that extends beyond the quarterback room. With the Monsters, he will work directly with the quarterbacks while also serving as an Offensive Analyst, contributing to film breakdown, opponent evaluation, game planning and overall offensive development.

Head Coach/General Manager Willie Howard:

“Cleveland brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to our offensive staff. He has played the position, developed quarterbacks and understands what it takes to lead an entire football program as a head coach. I believe his ability to see the game from both a quarterback’s perspective and a head coach’s perspective will be extremely valuable to our offense. We’re excited to add another experienced football mind to our staff as we continue building toward a championship.”

McCoy joins a Minnesota Monsters coaching staff committed to developing players, maximizing personnel and building a championship-level football program.

Welcome to the Monsters, Coach Cleveland McCoy!

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09/23/2026

2027 FREE AGENCY IS OFFICIALLY OPEN.

The road to 2027 starts now, and every roster spot will be earned.

Owner Jacob Lambert: "Our first priority is bringing back players who truly want to be here. If your heart is in Minnesota, we want you in Minnesota."

GM / Head Coach Willie Howard: "We're looking for coachable players who will buy into the True Standard of Minnesota Monsters Football. Talent opens the door, but accountability, effort, and discipline keep you in the building."

Assistant GM Jaysen Howard: "We're finding players who fit our style of football and fit our budget. We're building a roster that's physical, fast, smart, and built to last."

Player Personnel Manager / Assistant Head Coach Daron Clark Jr.: "Your name may not have been called yet. Stay ready. Keep working. Your opportunity could be closer than you think."

TRYOUTS ARE COMING. We're taking 35 players to camp this spring. Follow our page and turn on notifications so you don't miss the tryout details.

The standard is set. The door is open. Are you ready to earn it?

Tag a player who needs to see this.

09/22/2026

Free agency is here and the Monsters are hunting. 👀❄️ Who's next to join the pack? Stay tuned…

09/07/2026

Minnesota Monsters Announce Full 2027 Coaching Staff
Twin Cities, Minn. — September 6th, 2026 — The Minnesota Monsters of Arena Football 1 today announced the organization's complete coaching staff heading into the 2027 season. The announcement was made by team Owner, and CEO Jacob J Lambert, who confirmed the full football operations leadership group that will guide the Monsters into the new year.

The 2027 coaching staff includes:

Willie Howard — Head Coach / General Manager

Daron Clark — Assistant Head Coach / Offensive Coordinator

Mike Harris — Offensive Line / Running Backs Coach

Michael Johnson — Special Teams Coordinator / Defensive Line Coach

Varmah Sonie — Defensive Coordinator / DB Coach

"This organization has always played with Pride and Purpose, and that identity isn't going anywhere," said Jacob Lambert, Owner of the Minnesota Monsters. "But 2027 is going to be about Urgency and Accountability. Every man on this staff understands that standard, and every man on this staff is here to hold our players to it. Willie, Daron, Mike, Michael, and Varmah have built the kind of coaching group that demands more from this team every single day, and that's exactly what this next chapter requires."

Under Howard's direction, the staff brings a blend of continuity and experience across every phase of the game. Clark returns to run the offense as Assistant Head Coach, Harris will develop the offensive line and running back room, Johnson takes over special teams and the defensive line after rejoining the franchise, and Sonie anchors the defense.

"Pride and Purpose is who we are. Urgency and Accountability is how we win in 2027," Lambert added. "This staff knows the difference between talking about a standard and living it, and that's what our players are going to see from them every single day."

The Monsters' front office continues to build out its football operations and organizational structure as the team prepares for the 2027 season.

09/06/2026

Minnesota Monsters — Coaching Interns Still Needed (2027 Season)
🚨 STAFF IS SET — BUT WE'RE STILL HUNTING 🚨

Our full 2027 coaching staff is locked in, but the Minnesota Monsters are STILL looking for Coaching Interns to round out the pack for the 2027 season!

🐺 Learn directly under Head Coach Willie Howard, OC Daron Clark, and the rest of our staff
🐺 Get real reps in practice planning, film breakdown, and game-day operations
🐺 Be part of the foundation as we build toward 2027 with Urgency and Accountability

📩 Send your resume to [email protected]

09/05/2026

Minnesota Monsters Bring Back Michael Johnson as Special Teams Coordinator / Defensive Line Coach

TWIN CITIES, Minn. — September 5, 2026 — Minnesota Monsters Head Coach and General Manager Willie Howard announced today that Michael “MJ” Johnson will return to the organization as Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach for the 2027 season.

Johnson rejoins the Monsters after previously serving as the franchise’s Linebackers/Defensive Line Coach during the 2025 season and spending 2026 as Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Line/Linebackers Coach with the Eau Claire Axemen.

For Howard, the addition is about much more than familiarity. Johnson joins Howard’s staff after the two spent nearly a decade coaching together, including their time at Robbinsdale Cooper and with the Minneapolis Warriors. Over those years, their relationship has developed into a brotherhood built on trust, accountability and a shared Standard of Excellence that continues to shape how they lead and develop players.

“MJ and I have been doing this together for almost 10 years, so there is a tremendous amount of trust between us,” said Willie Howard, Head Coach and General Manager. “Our relationship goes beyond football. It’s a brotherhood built through years of working together, holding each other accountable and believing in the same Standard of Excellence. He understands how I want our players coached, how I want them held accountable and, most importantly, how we want to build this culture. Bringing MJ back was an easy decision.”

Johnson brings extensive experience across high school, semi-professional and arena football. He previously spent nine seasons coaching at Robbinsdale Cooper and six seasons leading the Minneapolis Warriors, where he helped build a program that compiled a 56-10 record while winning two league championships and two national championships.

Johnson’s football experience began long before his coaching career. A native of Florida, he played linebacker and defensive back at Miami Carol City Senior High School before continuing his playing career at Minnesota West College, where he earned multiple All-State and All-Region honors. He later continued his collegiate career at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

His coaching journey has allowed him to work with athletes at multiple levels and in a variety of roles. In addition to his nine seasons at Robbinsdale Cooper, Johnson has coached defensive backs and defensive linemen at Saint Louis Park High School and most recently served as Co-Defensive Coordinator and Outside Linebackers Coach at C**n Rapids High School. His background includes coaching multiple defensive fronts and coverages while adapting his philosophy to the speed and unique demands of the arena game.

Johnson’s six seasons with the Minneapolis Warriors also provided him experience beyond position coaching. During his time with the organization, he served as Chief Executive Officer, Head Coach and coordinator across offense, defense and special teams, giving him a broad understanding of building a program, developing players and establishing a winning culture.

Assistant General Manager Jaysen Yogi Howard believes Johnson’s history with the organization and relationship with Coach Howard will provide immediate continuity.

“MJ understands the standard Willie is establishing because they’ve built and lived that standard together for years,” Jaysen Howard said. “That brotherhood brings trust, accountability and a shared understanding of what winning football is supposed to look like. That makes him a great fit for where the Monsters are going.”

MJ CoachJohnson will oversee the Monsters’ special teams units and defensive line as Howard continues assembling his staff for the 2027 season.

“MJ is family, but just as importantly, he’s earned this opportunity through the work,” Willie Howard added. “We know what we expect from each other. Now it’s about bringing that same Standard of Excellence to the Minnesota Monsters.”

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE. STRONGER TOGETHER. WE ROAR.

09/05/2026

Minnesota Monsters Hire Mike Harris as Offensive Line Coach
Twin Cities, Minn. — September 5th, 2026 — Minnesota Monsters Head Coach Willie Howard announced today that former NFL offensive lineman and veteran collegiate coach Mike Harris has joined the organization as Offensive Line Coach and will assist with the Backs.

Harris brings a strong combination of professional playing experience, NFL fellowship exposure, and collegiate coaching success to the Monsters’ staff. A UCLA alumnus, Harris played five NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and San Diego Chargers, making more than 24 starts at tackle and guard. His playing background includes being ranked among the NFL’s top 20 offensive linemen in 2015 and contributing to the Vikings’ NFC North championship run.

“Mike Harris is exactly the kind of coach we want leading our offensive line room as well as helping our back in the run game and pass protection scheme ,” said Head Coach Willie Howard.

Assistant General Manager Jaysen Yogi Howard states “He has played the game at the highest level, understands what it takes to develop physical and disciplined linemen, and brings a teacher’s mindset to every part of the job. His ability to coach technique, build protections, and establish a tough identity up front will be a major asset to the Minnesota Monsters.”

Harris currently serves as Offensive Line Coach at Hamline University, where he developed an offensive line system focused on pass protection, zone and gap run schemes, film study, and player development. During his collegiate coaching career at Hamline University and Macalester College, he helped produce all-conference offensive linemen while improving sack prevention and rushing efficiency.

In addition to his coaching experience, Harris has participated in multiple NFL development opportunities, including the 2025 Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Los Angeles Chargers and the Minnesota Vikings’ 2021 scouting fellowship. He also has experience as a Minnesota Vikings game-day assistant and has contributed offensive line evaluations and scouting reports at the professional level.

“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to join Coach Howard and the Minnesota Monsters,” Harris said. “I believe offensive line play sets the tone for an entire football team. My goal is to develop a physical, intelligent, connected group that protects the quarterback, controls the line of scrimmage, and gives our offense the foundation to win every week.”

Harris will oversee the development of the Monsters’ offensive linemen, including technique instruction, pass-protection planning, run-game ex*****on, film evaluation, and weekly opponent preparation.

The Minnesota Monsters continue to build a football operations staff centered on player development, discipline, and an aggressive on-field identity as the organization prepares for its upcoming Arena Football 1 season.

09/05/2026

Twin Cities Minnesota Monsters — Interns & Volunteers Post Caption
🚨 THE MONSTERS ARE COMING TO THE TWIN CITIES 🚨

We're building our 2027 season roster off the field too! Twin Cities Minnesota Monsters are now recruiting Interns and Volunteers to join the pack.

🐺 Gain real experience in sports operations, marketing, game-day production, and more
🐺 Be part of history as we bring arena football to the Twin Cities
🐺 Work alongside our coaching staff and front office

📩 Send your resume to [email protected]

09/05/2026

Monsters name their Defensive Coordinator
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, September 4th, 2026 — Minnesota Monsters Head Coach and General Manager Willie Howard announced today that Varmah Sonie has been hired as the team’s defensive coordinator.

Sonie brings extensive professional football experience to the Monsters, including time in the National Football League with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns. He also built an accomplished Arena Football League career with the Portland Thunder, Orlando Predators, Baltimore Brigade, Albany Empire and Columbus Destroyers.

“We are excited to welcome Varmah Sonie to the Minnesota Monsters as our defensive coordinator,” Howard said. “Varmah understands professional football, knows how to develop players and brings the energy, discipline and leadership we want throughout our organization. His NFL experience with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns, combined with his success in arena football, gives him a strong understanding of what it takes to compete at a high level.”

A former defensive back, Sonie earned multiple professional honors during his playing career. He was named First-Team All-Arena in 2014, 2016 and 2019 and Second-Team All-Arena in 2017 and 2018. He was also part of a National Arena League championship team in 2021.

Sonie has continued his football career through coaching and player development. His experience includes serving as a defensive backs and kickoff coach at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, a defensive backs coach at Apple Valley High School and a youth development coach with the Minnesota Vikings. He is also the owner of Relentless Sports Lab, where he trains and develops football players at the high school, collegiate and professional levels.
“Our defense will be aggressive, disciplined and prepared,” Howard added. “Coach Sonie’s ability to teach technique, break down film and connect with players makes him the right leader for our defense. He knows this community, understands our vision and is ready to help establish a winning culture for the Minnesota Monsters.”

Sonie played collegiately at the University of Northern Iowa, where he was a four-year starter, team captain and two-time All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the university in 2012.

As defensive coordinator, Sonie will oversee the Monsters’ defensive system, game planning, player development and defensive personnel preparation.

About the Minnesota Monsters
The Minnesota Monsters are a professional arena football organization committed to building a championship-caliber program, developing players and delivering an exciting game-day experience for football fans throughout Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.

09/04/2026

Join the Minnesota Monsters Game Day Team!
With our move to the Twin Cities, the Minnesota Monsters are looking for energetic and dependable Game Day Assistants to help create an unforgettable experience for our fans!

Opportunities may include:

Game-day operations

Fan engagement and promotions

Ticketing and guest services

Merchandise assistance

Team and event support

Setup and breakdown

If you love football, enjoy working with people, and want hands-on experience in sports and entertainment, we want to hear from you!

Interested? Send your résumé and a brief introduction to [email protected]

Join the Monsters and help us bring exciting arena football action to the Twin Cities!

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