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Minnesota Monsters announce 2027 coaching staff led by Willie Howard

Minnesota Monsters announce 2027 coaching staff led by Willie Howard

TWIN CITIES, Minn. — The Minnesota Monsters have completed their coaching staff for the 2027 Arena Football 1 season, with Willie Howard serving as head coach and general manager as the franchise prepares for its first season in the Twin Cities. Monsters owner and CEO Jacob Lambert announced the staff, which

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Minnesota Monsters leaving Duluth for Twin Cities

DULUTH — The Minnesota Monsters are leaving Duluth for the Twin Cities after the organization determined a larger market would offer better long-term opportunities for the arena football franchise. The team announced the relocation Friday, ending its run in Duluth and beginning preparations for a move to the Minneapolis-St.

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Johnson leads late rally as Monsters edge Beaumont at Amsoil
Wide receiver Carlos Thompson Jr. hauled in a lone touchdown pass for the Minnesota Monsters in a two-point, come-from-behind victory over Beaumont on Saturday night in Duluth. Ben Sunne photo

Johnson leads late rally as Monsters edge Beaumont at Amsoil

DULUTH, Minn. — Ja’Vonte Johnson threw two touchdown passes in the final two minutes, including the game-winner to LeDarian McAllister with 22 seconds remaining, as the Minnesota Monsters rallied past the Beaumont Renegades 42-40 Saturday night at Amsoil Arena. Minnesota trailed 40-29 before Johnson connected with Shiloh

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Monsters to host Beaumont with final AF1 playoff berth at stake

The Minnesota Monsters will host the Beaumont Renegades in the Arena Football One regular-season finale at 6 p.m. Saturday at Amsoil Arena. Minnesota (7-4) has secured the No. 3 seed and will host a first-round playoff game the following weekend. The Monsters’ opponent will be either

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Minnesota Monsters name new general manager

DULUTH — The Minnesota Monsters have named Willie Howard general manager after signing him to a two-year contract to oversee the arena football franchise’s football and business operations. Howard, who recently joined the Monsters as a senior consultant, will oversee player personnel, organizational development, strategic planning, sponsorships, business operations

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Minnesota Monsters move Lemon to operations director, AF1 advisory role
Meadow Lemon. Minnesota Monsters

Minnesota Monsters move Lemon to operations director, AF1 advisory role

The Minnesota Monsters announced Tuesday that Meadow Lemon will move from general manager to operations director while also serving in an advisory role with Arena Football One. Lemon will focus on the Monsters’ operational strategy, internal systems and franchise development. His responsibilities will include coordinating organizational functions supporting the franchise’

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Minnesota Monsters Notebook

Shiloh Flanagan is an experienced AF1 receiver who can contribute immediately. His value is as a boundary and red-zone matchup — a 6-foot-6 receiver capable of catching the ball above smaller defensive backs, controlling his body near the walls and turning broken plays into touchdowns.

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Howie: The Monsters have unfinished business
Minnesota Monsters wide receiver Carlos Thompson celebrated with fans after hauling in a long touchdown reception in a recent game against Kentucky at Amsoil Arena in Duluth. Ben Sunne / Minnesota Monsters

Howie: The Monsters have unfinished business

Willie Howard, the former NFL linebacker recently named the Monsters’ senior consultant, understands that the AF1 carries responsibilities beyond winning. Most of its players are still chasing something. They need film, exposure and an opportunity to demonstrate that they can play professionally.

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Monsters secure No. 3 seed

The six-team playoff format gives Nashville and Albany first-round byes. Minnesota will host Washington or Beaumont in the No. 3-versus-No. 6 quarterfinal, while Kentucky will host Michigan in the No. 4-versus-No. 5 matchup.

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Howard promoted to assistant general manager

Howard promoted to assistant general manager

The Minnesota Monsters have promoted special teams coordinator Jaysen Howard to assistant general manager, expanding his responsibilities as the Arena Football One franchise continues to strengthen its football operations and front office. Howard has been part of the organization's football staff since the team's inaugural season,

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Monsters eye No. 3 seed and home game for first round of AF1 playoffs
Minnesota Monsters owner Jacob Lambert led his coaches and players onto the field before last Sunday night's AF1 game at Amsoil Arena. The fourth-place Monsters pounded third-place Kentucky 60-8. Ben Sunne / Up North Anything Photography

Monsters eye No. 3 seed and home game for first round of AF1 playoffs

Tickets for Saturday's game are available through the Minnesota Monsters' official website, www.mnmonsters.com.

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Monsters overwhelm Barrels with relentless defense
Carlos Thompson Jr. caught four passes for 78 yards and three touchdowns against the Barrels' depleted secondary. Ben Sunne / Up North Anything Photography.

Monsters overwhelm Barrels with relentless defense

Kentucky made sweeping roster changes Monday, announcing the suspension of eight players and the release of nine others in one of the most significant personnel overhauls of the Arena Football One season.

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