ELF: Cologne Centurions and HC Khalil Carter part ways

| American Football | 03/18/2023

The Cologne Centurions of the European League of Football have officially parted ways with head coach Khalil Carter who was hired in October of last year.

The team announced over social media that Carter and management have decided to part ways:

‘Coach Kahlil Carter has resigned as head coach of the Cologne Centurions effective immediately. Due to differing opinions of the direction of the Centurions team for the upcoming season, the coach and team management have agreed to end their working relationship’

Centurions GM David Drane:

‘We thank Kahlil Carter for the groundwork he has been able to lay over the past few months. We wish him success and all the best as he moves forward!’

Carter was hired following a 3-9 2022 season under head coach Frank Roser. The Centurions have lost several key players from last season as well as longtime quarterback Jan Weinreich.  However, the club has made several key signings to reload and prepare for 2022 including brining in ELF-All linebacker Zachary Bliar and former DI quarterback Daniel Smith.

Carter played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks in the SEC from 1994 to 1997, before transferring to Southern Arkansas University at the Division II level.  After college, Carter played for a number of teams in many leagues, from the Arena Football League to the Canadian Football League to NFL Europe, where he spent time with the Scottish Claymores.  He even was a part of the Cleveland Browns and the Buffalo Bills in the NFL, but never saw regular season action.  Carter eventually moved onto coaching, where he has coached teams in places such as high school football, the NCAA, and the Canadian Football League.  He most recently served as the defensive coordinator for the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL in the 2018 season.  He stepped down from his position after the season due to personal reasons but remained in the organization as a scout.

Coach Carter on leaving the Centurions:

“Many factors have led to my decision to resign. I wish the Centurions nothing but success in 2023.”

The Centurions who will have several new players in uniform next season will now to tasked with finding a head coach just  10 weeks before the first game of the European League of Football’s third season kicks off June 5th.

Some potential good news for Cologne is that new offensive coordinator Christos Lambropoulos will take over as head coach. The Aussie has an excellent head coaching record leading the Saarland Hurricanes of the German Football League for two seasons reaching the post-seasno and winning coach of the year in 2021.

⁠ David Drane:

“I am confident that we will play a good role in the upcoming season with our team, regardless of the current turmoil.”

Alex is a former NCAA and semi-pro American football player who is now located in London, where he works in digital marketing. His goal in writing for AFI is to stay involved with the game that has given him so much. Alex enjoys covering leagues and