| Nationality |  United States |
|---|---|
| Past Teams | Prague Lions |
| Age | 65 |
Dave Warner brings decades of collegiate football experience to Prague, taking the helm of the Lions as they enter the next stage of their ELF journey. A veteran coach with a sharp offensive mind, Warner has built his career around quarterbacks and passing attacks, serving in high-level roles at major U.S. programs before making the leap to European football. “Coach Warner is a teacher first,” one of his former players at Michigan State noted, “he understands how to connect with quarterbacks and build their confidence.” His arrival in Prague signals the Lions’ commitment to professionalism, development, and building a winning culture in the ELF.
Previous Stations
- Syracuse University – Graduate Assistant (1982–1983)
- University of Pittsburgh – Graduate Assistant (1984–1985)
- Kent State – Quarterbacks / Receivers Coach (1986–1990)
- University of Connecticut – Offensive Coordinator / QBs (1991–1992)
- Kansas – Running Backs Coach (1993–1994)
- Southern Miss – Offensive Coordinator (1995–1998)
- Houston – Offensive Coordinator (1999–2000)
- Michigan State – Offensive Coordinator / QBs (2007–2012); Co-Offensive Coordinator (2013–2018)
- Various NCAA roles as Senior Offensive Analyst / Consultant (2019–2022)
- Prague Lions (ELF) – Head Coach (2023–present)
Achievements
Team Achievements
- Helped lead Michigan State Spartans to Big Ten Championship (2013)
- Part of Michigan State’s Rose Bowl victory over Stanford (2014)
- Developed multiple NFL quarterbacks, including Kirk Cousins (Washington / Minnesota)
- Named Head Coach of Prague Lions for their ELF campaigns (2023–present)
Personal Achievements
- Over 35 years of NCAA Division I coaching experience
- Respected quarterback mentor, credited with player development and leadership
- Helped design and run one of the Big Ten’s most balanced offenses (2010s)
- Brought NCAA pedigree to European football as a head coach
Selected Statistics
- Michigan State offense under Warner (2013–2014): Averaged 30+ points per game
- Guided Kirk Cousins to over 9,000 collegiate passing yards and 66 TDs
- Michigan State QB Connor Cook threw for over 9,000 yards under Warner’s guidance
- Oversaw multiple 10+ win seasons with Michigan State (2010s)
Other
- Known as a meticulous play-caller and offensive strategist
- Praises Prague’s “strong foundation of local talent” in interviews
- Committed to integrating homegrown Czech players with imports in ELF competition
- Sees the Prague Lions project as “building a professional program step by step”
