The Wheeling Miners are proud to welcome Chris McKinney as the team’s new head coach.
Coach McKinney brings with him an elite résumé and a championship pedigree from across professional indoor football, with experience at every level of the game:
- Philadelphia Soul – AFL (2013) Special Teams & WR Coach | Eastern Conference Champions | Arena Bowl Runner‑Up
- St. Louis Attack – X‑League (2014–15) Head Coach | Regular Season Champions | X‑League Coach of the Year | X‑Bowl Runner‑Up
- Triangle Torch – SIF (2016–18) Offensive Coordinator & Head Coach | SIF Coach of the Year | Undefeated Regular Season | SIF Championship Runner‑Up
- Atlanta Havoc – AAL (2018) AAL Champions
- Cape Fear Heroes – (2019) Head Coach
- Jersey Flight – NAL (2021) Offensive Coordinator
- Albany Empire – NAL (2022) Defensive Coordinator | NAL Champions
- Columbus Lions – AIFA (2023) Head Coach / OC / DC | AIFA Champions
- San Antonio Gunslingers – IFL (2024) Defensive Coordinator
- Nashville Kats – AF1 (2025) Offensive Coordinator
- Massachusetts Pirates – IFL (2025) Co‑Defensive Coordinator
Coach McKinney shared his excitement about joining the Miners organization.

“I’m originally from North Carolina but currently reside in Atlanta, and I love coaching on the East Coast where I grew up. I’m extremely excited to be part of the Miners family, and I can’t wait to call West Virginia home.”
McKinney will have WVU football legend Major Harris on his coaching staff, and owner/general manager Chris Duffy has been signing a number of players over the past few weeks.
Following a first week bye on April 18, the Miners begin their season with a road game against the Columbus Lions on April 25, and then Wesbanco Arena will host eight straight home games between May 2 and June 20.
#MinersNation #WelcomeCoach #WheelingMiners #NewEra #ChampionshipCulture

