meet the coaches

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Head Coach

Simon Bennett - BAFCA Level 2

Previous Exp - UoG Gladiators, Black Country Steelers

Simon Bennett leads the Gladiators as Head Coach, bringing BAFCA Level 2 qualification and experience built with the UoG Gladiators and the Black Country Steelers. He sets the standard for the programme — turning raw recruits into genuine talent through effort, accountability and belonging, and driving the Glads' push for promotion.

Assistant Head Coach

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Chris Cowley - BAFCA Level 2 (Pending)

Previous Exp - Hertfordshire Hurricanes, Gloucester Banshees, Hertfordshire Cheetahs, Ouse Valley Eagles, Oxford Saints, Sealand Seahawks, Hereford Stampede.

Chris brings 20 years of experience playing high-level football in the UK. He also knows what it takes to run a university team at the very top, having been part of the dominant Hertfordshire Hurricanes squad under Jim Messenger and Simon Hatcher — two future Hall of Fame coaches.

offensive coordinator

Harry Owen - BAFCA Level 1 (Pending)

Previous Exp - UoG Gladiators, Hereford Stampede, Bristol Apache, Bristol Aztecs

Harry Owen brings a wealth of experience from both university and Division 1 adult football, with playing time at the UoG Gladiators, Hereford Stampede, Bristol Apache and Bristol Aztecs. Now working towards his BAFCA Level 1 qualification, he continues his own growth next season representing the Bristol Aztecs in Premiership football — bringing that top-level insight straight back to the Gladiators.

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defensive coordinator

Sam Pope - BAFCA Level 1

Previous Exp - Swindon Storm

Sam brings an outside perspective — no previous ties to the Gladiators, just a pure love of the game. He arrives with a wealth of experience, having served as a defensive captain in the BAFA league, and specialises in developing defensive backs.

Special Teams Coordinator

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Open Position - duties currently performed by HC Simon Bennett

Positional Coaches

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quarterback coach

Open Position - duties currently performed by Assistant HC Chris Cowley

Reciever Coach

Open Position - duties currently performed by OC Harry Owens

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offensive line coach

Dan Collier - BAFCA Level 1 (Pending)

Previous Exp - Swindon Storm

Dan brings experience from both sides of the trenches, having played defensive line alongside Coach Isaak before switching to guard — giving him a sharp understanding of the battle on both sides of the ball. He's most looking forward to bringing that experience, physicality and know-how to the Glads' O-line: developing the unit into a strong, aggressive and dominant force for the season ahead.

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defensive line coach

Isaak Singleton - BAFCA Level 1 (Pending)

Previous Exp - Swindon Storm

Isaak brings his knowledge and enthusiasm to the role. His drive is to make the defensive line the most dominant in the league, last year his coaching led to a record high in sacks in 2025/26.

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linebacker coach

Jade Crick - BAFCA Level 1 (Pending)

Previous Exp - UoG Gladiators, Birmingham Lions, Swindon Storm, Great Britain

Jade brings national-level playing experience to the team, having represented the Great Britain. She knows first-hand what it takes to be the underdog and then succeed. She wants to instil the work, effort and commitment required to come out on top to her positional players.

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defensive back coach

Dan Pell - BAFCA Level 1 (Pending)

Previous Exp - UoG Gladiators, Bristol Aztecs, Leicester Panthers, Leicester Longhorns, Coventry Phoenix

Dan Pell brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the sideline, having represented the UoG Gladiators, Bristol Aztecs, Leicester Panthers, Leicester Longhorns and Coventry Phoenix. Now working towards his BAFCA Level 1 coaching qualification, he's channelling years on the field into developing the next generation of Gladiators.

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Running back coach

Open Position - duties currently performed by Assistant HC Chris Cowley.

Assistant coaches

Assistant O-Line Coach

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Leo Waterfield - BAFCA Level 1 (Pending)

Previous Exp - UoG Gladiators, Black Country Steelers

A veteran of the club, a true leader who knows what’s required to push the players to the next level on and off the pitch.

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Assistant Lb coach

Jordan Vincent - BAFCA Level 1 (Pending)

Previous Exp - UoG Gladiators, Somerset Wyverns, Bristol Aztecs, Hereford Stampede.

Jordan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience at playing the line backer position. He also knows what it means to be a Glad.