Dave Gibbs has been appointed Offensive Coordinator of the Great Britain Men’s Contact national team, with his predecessor Adam Lillis stepping down due to work constraints.
Gibbs, the 2024 BAFCA Innovative Coach of the Year, takes the reins of the Mane Men offense for 2025 while Lillis will remain on the coaching staff as Tight Ends Coach.
Speaking on his new role, Gibbs said that he was delighted to be leading the Lions attacking unit going into 2025.
“It’s been a privilege to work on this staff over the last three years and I’m excited to hit the ground running as Offensive Coordinator and get some points on the board,” he commented.
“Coach Scott has spoken about bringing in and developing coaches as a part of this programme, and while I was a coordinator at club level before coming onto the Great Britain staff, my knowledge of the game and the way in which I coach has developed to new heights in my time here.
“Coach Lillis is staying a part of the staff as Tight Ends Coach, and so being able to still lean on his experience will be invaluable especially in these early stages.”
In addition to his role on the Great Britain staff, Gibbs was recently appointed Head Coach of the national league’s Solent Thrashers, in addition to providing independent skill position coaching with the Dangerous Receiver Academy.
However, as Great Britain’s offense starts anew for 2025, Gibbs already has his sights set on play-calling in international competition.
“The new look Lions offense is going to build off of what we already know we do well. We’ll certainly have some things in our back pocket, but I will be making some changes in particular to the architecture behind the offense with the aim of producing exciting, high-scoring Great Britain football.”
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to promote Dave to the position of Offensive Coordinator,” said Scott.
“Not only is he one of the finest young coaches in the UK, but he’s a phenomenally hard worker and has tremendous football acumen. This new role is testament to his energy and industry, and I’m excited to see how our offense evolves over the coming months.
Additional imagery courtesy of Brandon Hattiloney
