Gustavo Casagrande to be Eagles OL coach for season 2027

Gustavo Casagrande, who is well-versed in the realities of the Polish Football League is joining the Warsaw Eagles coaching staff for the season 2027! With a deep understanding of the specific characteristics of Polish players, he will assist the staff in preparing the team for competition in both the AFLE and the PFL. We invite you to read a short interview with Gustavo.

Could you share background behind signing contract with Eagles? What made you decide to join the team from Warsaw?

I was first approached by Coach Michal Kolek, whom I've worked with for four years in Poland (Tychy Falcons/Silesia Rebels Katowice). After discussing his vision for the O#, as well as speaking with GM Osman Sulkiewicz about the Eagles' standards and plans for the future, I knew this was a team I wanted to be part of.

You’ve worked in Poland before and know specifics of the league and players here. What is it like working with Polish OL players?

No matter the country or team, offensive linemans are always the position group most passionate about their role on the field, and that's probably one of my favorite things about being an OL coach. But Polish players bring an extra level of pride to the position, which translates into grit and a physical, aggressive style of play on the field.

Open tryouts for Eagles are coming up at the end of November. As it's well known, you can never have too many good linemens. What kind of players do you think Eagles need most on offensive line?

Moving to the European level brings a new level of competition, so we need offensive lineman who embrace challenges and are ready to meet those demands. We are looking for a combination of size, strength, athleticism, and conditioning, but just as importantly, players with the mental toughness, discipline, and willingness to work that it takes to compete at this level.

How is coaching offensive line approached today? Is the myth of the heavy, purely massive lineman dying out a bit in modern american football? Does an offensive lineman nowadays need to possess top-tier athleticism and conditioning?

I like to joke that linemam are the true "skill players." Mastering the specifics of the position requires a lot of work and discipline, as well as a well-conditioned body capable of handling the physical and mental demands of the job. Of course, size still matters, and the saying "you can't coach size" holds true. But being big is not enough anymore. Modern offensive linemam need to combine size and strength with mobility, athleticism, and the ability to perform consistently at a high level.

Eagles are facing a historic league jump and the biggest challenge in the clubs history. How do you assess level of AFLE and European football in general? Do you believe Eagles are ready to rise to occasion?

It's definitely a big step to move from competing in a national league to playing at the European level. The competition is stronger, and the demands on both players and organizations are higher. But from what I've seen in Warsaw, there's ambition, commitment, and a clear desire to build something competitive. I believe the Eagles have the people and the mentality to rise to the occasion.

What goals have you set for yourself as the new offensive line coach? What would you like to achieve with the team and with your unit?

As with any team I've coached, my goal is to make sure the offensive line sets an example of unity and grit for the rest of the team. I want our group to be known for its toughness, consistency, and commitment, and to be at the forefront of every challenge we face this season.