Coaching Staff

Damon Ware, a seasoned and dynamic football coach, proudly serves as the Head Coach and General Manager of the Albany Firebirds in Arena Football One (AF1). With decades of experience, Ware has earned recognition as one of the greatest arena football coaches of all time, leading with vision, expertise, and a deep commitment to the sport.

Ware’s career has been defined by dedication, strategic excellence, and a relentless pursuit of success. His journey reached new heights during his tenure as the Offensive Coordinator for the Albany Empire in the National Arena League (NAL). In 2021 and 2022, he helped guide the team to back-to-back championships, showcasing his offensive mastery and leadership on the biggest stage.

In 2025, Ware led the Albany Firebirds to an undefeated championship season, earning him the AF1 Coach of the Year award. This historic accomplishment further solidified his standing in the sport and demonstrated his ability to elevate a team to championship form. Entering the new season, Ware is prepared to guide the Firebirds in their pursuit of going back-to-back.

Known for his ability to adapt, develop talent, and build cohesive, high-performing teams, Ware’s coaching philosophy emphasizes precision, agility, and teamwork. His leadership not only shapes championship-caliber athletes but also fosters a culture built on resilience, discipline, and unity.

As Head Coach and General Manager of the Albany Firebirds, Damon Ware continues to drive the franchise forward. With a legacy defined by championships and a proven record of excellence, he remains committed to setting the standard in arena football for years to come.

Brandon Sesay brings a wealth of experience and a championship mindset to his role as Defensive Coordinator for the Albany Firebirds in Arena Football One (AF1). With a background as a standout player and a deep commitment to community engagement, Sesay remains a vital piece of the Firebirds organization.

Sesay’s football journey began at Texas Tech, where he excelled as both an Offensive and Defensive Lineman. His versatility and toughness laid the foundation for a successful professional career. Since 2018, Sesay has been an integral part of every Albany arena football franchise, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the Capital Region football community.

A proven champion, Sesay played a pivotal role in securing ArenaBowl 32 for the Albany Empire in the AFL. His relentless work ethic and leadership continued as he helped guide the Empire to back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022 in the National Arena League (NAL).

In 2025, Sesay once again made a major impact—this time as a coach—playing a key role in the Albany Firebirds’ undefeated Arena Crown Championship season. His defensive leadership, attention to detail, and ability to elevate player performance were instrumental in the team’s historic run.

Off the field, Sesay is deeply involved in the Albany community. His football camp, Champ Camp, provides young athletes with both football skills and valuable life lessons, reflecting his commitment to shaping the next generation. His influence extends far beyond the game, and he continues to make a positive and lasting impact on local youth.

Known for his contributions on and off the field, Brandon Sesay has become a beloved figure among Albany football fans. His legacy as a champion, mentor, and community leader makes him an invaluable member of the Albany Firebirds as they continue building toward more success in 2026 and beyond.

Arthur Hobbs serves as the Defensive Backs Coach for the Albany Firebirds in Arena Football One (AF1). A player first, Hobbs brings firsthand experience and championship pedigree to his coaching role.

Hobbs played professionally with the San Diego Chargers and enjoyed a successful arena football career, including back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022 with the Albany Empire. He also played with multiple other arena football teams, gaining valuable experience and knowledge along the way. In 2024, he joined the Albany Firebirds as a player and helped lead the team to an ArenaBowl 33 appearance.

In 2025, Hobbs transitioned to coaching and played a pivotal role as the Firebirds’ Defensive Backs Coach during their undefeated championship season, helping build a dominant and disciplined secondary.

Known for his leadership, expertise, and ability to develop talent, Arthur Hobbs continues to be an essential part of the Albany Firebirds’ pursuit of excellence.

Tony Bowick serves as the Offensive Line Coach for the Albany Firebirds in Arena Football One (AF1), entering his third season with the team. With decades of coaching experience, Bowick brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and championship insight to the Firebirds.

A former professional player with the Atlanta Falcons and former Head Coach of the Albany Firebirds, Bowick combines his playing and coaching experience to develop championship-caliber talent. He played an integral role in Albany’s undefeated championship season in 2025 and was a key contributor in helping the Firebirds secure an ArenaBowl 33 appearance in 2024.

Known for his expertise, dedication, and ability to elevate players, Tony Bowick continues to be a vital part of the Firebirds’ pursuit of excellence.

Gabe Young serves as the Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Albany Firebirds in Arena Football One (AF1), entering his third season with the team. Young brings a wealth of experience as both a professional player and a dedicated coach, specializing in speed, strength, and conditioning.

As a player, Young competed with the Albany Conquest (AF2), New England Surge (IFL), and New Jersey Revolution (IFL) as a versatile wide receiver and defensive back. Transitioning to coaching, he spent five years as an assistant football coach at Shaker High School and has spent the past 13 years at South Colonie High School as the WR/DB coach, also contributing to Track and Field programs.

Founder of Power House Athletics, Young has trained athletes of all levels, from youth to professionals, helping them maximize performance through specialized strength and conditioning programs.

With the Albany Firebirds, Young oversees both Wide Receivers and Strength & Conditioning. He played an integral role in helping the team reach ArenaBowl 33 in 2024 and in guiding the Firebirds to an undefeated championship season in 2025.

Known for his expertise, leadership, and dedication to player development, Gabe Young continues to be a key component of the Albany Firebirds’ pursuit of excellence.

Jordan Gooch serves as the Fullbacks Coach for the Albany Firebirds in Arena Football One (AF1), entering his second season in the role. Gooch brings energy, knowledge, and a strong work ethic to the Firebirds’ coaching staff.

Gooch began his journey with Albany in 2024 as a coaching intern, helping the team secure an ArenaBowl 33 appearance. In 2025, he played an integral role as Fullbacks Coach in guiding the Firebirds to an undefeated championship season, culminating in the Arena Crown victory.

Known for his dedication, leadership, and ability to develop players, Jordan Gooch continues to be a key contributor to the Albany Firebirds’ pursuit of excellence.

Sean Johnson serves as the Scouting Director for the Albany Firebirds in Arena Football One (AF1), entering his third season with the team. Johnson has been an integral part of the Firebirds’ success, contributing to their ArenaBowl 33 appearance in 2024 and their undefeated championship season in 2025.

Before joining the Firebirds, Johnson gained coaching experience with the Albany Empire during their 2022 championship season, bringing valuable insight and expertise to his role.

Known for his keen eye for talent and dedication to building a winning roster, Sean Johnson continues to play a key role in the Albany Firebirds’ pursuit of excellence.