The Carlstad Crusaders have called in coaching reinforcements with the playoffs coming up this weekend in Sweden.
Runaway leaders of the Swedish Superserien, the Crusaders are taking nothing for granted and with 2017 offensive coordinator Danny Mitchell now unable to join the team for the playoffs as planned, the club opted to bring in Josh Dean, who has been coached by Mitchell.
While continuing his playing career in Europe, Dean has coached in the United States, both as a wide receivers coach at his alma mater,Willamette College and at El Modena High School in 2016-2107.
Initially, it was planned that Mitchell would be able to join the team late in the season after his high school team finished spring training. But in the end, things did not work out so the club brought in Dean.
The 6’2″, 215 lb, 26 year old from Dana Point, California and graduate of Willamette University, just finished helping the Ancona Dolphins reach the playoffs in Italy where they were beaten in the quarterfinals. He finished the regular season as the sixth leading passer in Italy with 1,398 yards. Prior to that he helped Switzerland’s Calanda Broncos reach two consecutive Swiss Bowls, winning the 2015 championship in Switzerland. Dean spent the 2014 season with the Onsabrück Tigers in the German third division.
Dean enjoyed a standout career playing for the Willamette University Bears, an NCAA Division III program in the Northwest Conference in Salem, Ore.. In 2013, Dean was named second team All-NWC for a second consecutive year and was named first team Capital One Academic All-District.
Mitchell, who has worked closely with the late Tom Martinez, Tom Brady’s mentor and quarterback coach, understands what Dean brings:
“Josh is one of the best quarterbacks I have ever had the chance to coach. He is extremely athletic, intelligent, and most of all, a phenomenal leader. He possesses every trait any team would want in a coach and a player. Having coached at every level of football (Swedish Super Series, GFL, D1 FBS, D1FCS, D2, D3, NAIA, JC, and HS) I would say that without a doubt Josh will make a difference.”
Dean had been contemplated as the team’s offensive coordinator for this season but he opted to play in Italy. However, Carlstad has stayed in touch with him throughout the season.
Robert Sundberg, Crusaders sports director:
“It’s really great that a guy like Josh wants to work on his coaching career and that he chooses to spend his holidays here in Karlstad and help our team.”
Josh Dean:
“I hope I can help the team in every way that is possible to continue their winnings and that I can become part of the amazing story of coaches and players who have been part of Carlstad Crusaders And I would like to thank the association, the players and all the supporters who have made me feel welcome in the short time I’ve been here. “