COACHING STAFF
Chris McKinney - Head Coach
Coach McKinney has coached at nearly every level of professional indoor football, earning multiple championships, Coach of the Year honors, and a reputation as a dynamic leader on both sides of the ball.
Coach McKinney expressed strong enthusiasm about joining the Wheeling Miners organization and becoming part of the community.
“I’m originally from North Carolina but currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia. I love coaching on the East Coast where I grew up, and I am extremely excited to be a part of the Miners family. I can’t wait to be able to call West Virginia home.”
The Wheeling Miners believe Coach McKinney’s championship experience, leadership, and versatility will play a key role in building a winning culture and guiding the team into its next chapter.
His coaching career includes:
• Philadelphia Soul (AFL) – 2013
• Special Teams & Wide Receivers Coach | Eastern Conference Champions | Arena Bowl Runner-Up
• St. Louis Attack (X-League) – 2014–2015
• Head Coach | Regular Season Champions | X-League Coach of the Year | X-Bowl Runner-Up
• Triangle Torch (SIF) – 2016–2018
• Offensive Coordinator & Head Coach | SIF Coach of the Year | Undefeated Regular Season | SIF Championship Runner-Up
• Atlanta Havoc (AAL) – 2018
• AAL Champions
• Cape Fear Heroes – 2019
• Head Coach
• Jersey Flight (NAL) – 2021
• Offensive Coordinator
• Albany Empire (NAL) – 2022
• Defensive Coordinator | NAL Champions
• Columbus Lions (AIFA) – 2023
• Head Coach / Offensive & Defensive Coordinator | AIFA Champions
• San Antonio Gunslingers (IFL) – 2024
• Defensive Coordinator
• Nashville Kats (AF1) – 2025
• Offensive Coordinator
• Massachusetts Pirates (IFL) – 2025
• Co-Defensive Coordinator
About the Wheeling Miners
Franchise History
West Virginia’s Only Arena Football Team – Nestled in Nail City!
All Wheeling Miners home games are played at WesBanco Arena in the heart of Wheeling, WV, bringing hard-hitting arena football action to fans across the Ohio Valley.
AAL2 Championship Season (November 2023 – July 2024)
The Wheeling Miners began play in the American Arena League 2 (AAL2) in November 2023 and went on to complete an undefeated season, culminating in a dominant 61–14 victory over the Peach State Cats to win the AAL2 Championship on July 6, 2024. This flawless run established the Miners as one of the top teams in developmental arena football and set the tone for the franchise’s future success.
NAL Campaign (August 2024 – July 2025)
Following their perfect season, the Miners made the jump to the National Arena League (NAL), where they competed during the 2025 season. This move elevated the level of competition and gave the franchise a platform to compete against some of the most established teams in arena football.
American Arena League Era (September 2025 – Present)
After completing their NAL campaign, the Miners announced their decision to join the American Arena League (AAL) beginning in September 2025. The 2026 season marks the franchise’s third season of competition and ushers in a new era focused on building upon their championship legacy, expanding their fan base, and growing the sport in the Ohio Valley region.
Media Contact: media@wheelingminers.com
For tickets, visit www.gowvminers.com or the WesBanco Arena Box Office or by calling (304) 233-7000
