The Steamwheelers are keeping a familiar leader at the helm, with Cory Ross set to return for his ninth season as Head Coach in 2027.
The Quad City Steamwheelers have announced that Cory Ross will return as Head Coach for the 2027 season, marking his ninth season at the helm of the Steamwheelers and his 15th year coaching overall.
Ross has been a central figure in the Steamwheelers' modern era, helping guide the organization through some of its most successful seasons since the franchise's rebirth in 2018.
Under Ross, the Steamwheelers have made four consecutive playoff appearances from 2022 through 2025, compiled a 3-3 postseason record and reached the IFL National Championship following their 2022 Eastern Conference Championship.
The Steamwheelers returned to the Eastern Conference Championship Game in 2025 after earning the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, the organization's first No. 1 seed since returning in 2018. Ross' leadership that season earned him 2025 IFL Coach of the Year honors.
The 2026 season brought an end to the Steamwheelers' four-year postseason streak, marking the first time since the organization returned to play in 2022 that Quad City did not qualify for the playoffs.
Despite the setback, Ross returns with an established track record of success in Quad City and extensive experience leading the organization. His tenure has included a conference championship, a National Championship appearance, multiple postseason runs and one of the strongest regular seasons of the Steamwheelers' modern era.
With Ross returning to the sideline, the Steamwheelers now turn their attention toward the 2027 IFL season with a renewed focus and a clear objective of returning to championship contention.
Originally published by the Indoor Football League. Imported as a draft for editorial review.