The Vienna Vikings made a significant announcement on a notable occasion, International Women’s Day. On this day, the Austrian team revealed that Marianne Pahkala would be taking on the role of the new running backs coach and in-season strength and conditioning coach. Pahkala, a 26-year-old from Finland, previously coached at the University of Nebraska, Rice University, and the University of Georgia. She also gained experience in the NFL, contributing to the youth football departments of the Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, and Kansas City Chiefs in recent years.
Expressing her enthusiasm for joining the Vienna Vikings, Pahkala stated, “I’m really excited to be working under [head] coach [Chris] Calaycay and coach Shannon with the level of talent we have on the roster at the Vienna Vikings. Having learned from great collegiate programs in the past, I’m looking to translate those standards of excellence into my work in Vienna and repeat the championship in 2023!”
Vikings head coach Chris Calaycay echoed his excitement about Pahkala’s hiring, stating, “Coach Pahkala will be joining the Vienna franchise as the first female assistant coach. The Vikings, and football in general, have always been about opportunity. Marianne [Pahkala] has had the opportunity as a national coach, European coach, as a coach in the NCAA Division I, and the NFL. Now, she will be joining the European League of Football as part of our championship coaching staff.”
