NORTHERN ARIZONA WRANGLERS ANNOUNCE COACHING CHANGE

The Northern Arizona Wranglers have announced that the organization has released Head Coach Ron James from his duties, effective immediately. Defensive Coordinator Larry Hendrix has been named the interim head coach and will lead the team through the remainder of the 2026 Indoor Football League season. 

James returned for a second consecutive season in 2026 after re-signing with the team during the offseason. A veteran football coach with more than 30 years of experience, James previously earned Arena Football League Coach of the Year honors in 2012 and 2017 and brought extensive professional and collegiate coaching experience to Northern Arizona."We appreciate Coach James for his time, effort, and commitment to the Northern Arizona Wranglers organization," said Wranglers ownership. "These decisions are never easy, but after careful evaluation, we believe this change is in the best interest of the team as we move forward. We wish Coach James the best in his future endeavors."

Coach James shared parting words: "I would like to thank Fred and Robin DePalma for giving me the opportunity to coach the NAZ Wranglers. I would also like to thank the coaches, players and front office staff for their hard work and dedication to the team. It has been an honor to represent this team and the great fans of the Wranglers. It is with a heavy heart that I leave this team without fulfilling the expectations of our fan base and our organization. I leave knowing that I have worked hard and coached with integrity. I will continue to do so wherever the journey continues. I look forward to the future and hopefully seeing all of you soon. Go Wranglers!" - Coach James

Hendrix will assume interim head coaching responsibilities immediately. He returned to the Wranglers staff ahead of the 2026 season as defensive coordinator after helping guide a defensive unit that ranked fifth in the IFL in fewest yards allowed during the previous season. "Coach Hendrix has been an important part of our football operations and understands the standard we expect from our players, staff, and organization," Wranglers ownership stated. "We are confident in his ability to provide leadership, stability, and direction as we finish the 2026 season."

The Wranglers remain focused on competing at a high level, supporting player development, and representing Prescott Valley and Northern Arizona with pride throughout the remainder of the season.

Additional updates regarding football operations will be shared by the organization as they become available.