Wheeling Miners Welcomes New Head Coach Chris McKinney

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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.

A man.
McKinney served as the defensive coordinator for the Massachusetts Pirates of the IFL.

“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

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