Ameer Ismail Returns as Head Coach for the Iowa Barnstormers
Ismail to pick up where he left off for 2021 season

DES MOINES - Ameer Ismail is returning as Head Coach of the Iowa Barnstormers for the 2021 Indoor Football League (IFL) season, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer John Pettit announced today.

Ismail first joined the Iowa Barnstormers organization as Head Coach for the 2020 season prior to it's cancellation following the team's Training Camp.

Ismail brings a wealth of knowledge to the Barnstormers organization, with experience both playing and coaching. After a brief stint in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ismail found the indoor game where he played linebacker for several teams including the Jacksonville Sharks (AFL), Milwaukee Mustangs (AFL), Tri-Cities Fever (IFL), Bloomington Edge (IFL), and Chicago Slaughter (IFL).

Turning his attention toward coaching in 2014, Ismail served as defensive coordinator for teams including the Cedar Rapids Titans, Tri-Cities Fever, and Spokane Empire. His first head coaching appearance came in 2017 with the Bloomington Edge (CIF) and in 2018 he led the first-year Massachusetts Pirates (NAL) to an 11-5 regular season record, earning honors as the NAL Coach of the Year. Ismail also has experience coaching high school and college football teams.

Ismail's first season as Head Coach of the Iowa Barnstormers was unexpectedly cut short when the Indoor Football League canceled the 2020 season due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I'm excited to pick up where we left off and continue with our mission to be the best indoor football team in the world with a process-driven championship mindset." said Coach Ismail.

Coach Ismail had selected his 25-man roster following a two-week Training Camp and was gearing up for the team's first game when news of the season's uncertain fate broke.

"We were very well prepared going into game one and felt like we would've proven to be a team to beat in the IFL," Coach Ismail continued. "With that being said, we had a lot of rookies and young guys that hadn't played an IFL game before so there would naturally be a learning curve that can only be attained with experience. Now that we had time to prepare for a game we can use some of our 2021 Training Camp to build more of a bond with our progression as a team. We will be one step ahead going into the season."

The Iowa Barnstormers are gearing up for the 2021 season and look forward to picking up where they left off both on and off the field. Information regarding the 2021 season will be available soon.

Follow the Iowa Barnstormers on social media @iabarnstormers for the latest updates.

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