Developmental Football Association Unveils Inaugural Coaches and General Managers

The Developmental Football Association (DFA) proudly announces the leadership teams who will guide its inaugural franchises into the 2026 season. Founded by Aaron Anderson and Michael Johnson (MJ), the DFA is more than just another league—it is a mission-driven platform designed to give players real opportunities to grow, develop, and pursue higher levels of football.

The announcement of the league’s first head coaches and general managers marks a major milestone in bringing this vision to life. Together, this group represents nearly a century of combined coaching, mentoring, and leadership experience across high school, college, semi-pro, arena, and even international football. Their résumés include undefeated championship seasons, program-building from scratch, athletic administration, and mentorship of hundreds of athletes who have advanced to four-year colleges and beyond.

East Side Engine

Head Coach – Robert Smith
Robert Smith begins his tenure with the East Side Engine with a strong background in both leadership and athlete development. As former Athletic Director at Leech Lake College and a six-year coach at Fond du Lac Community College, Smith oversaw programs that grew both competitively and academically. His dual success in football and basketball at the college level shows his versatility and ability to lead across multiple sports.

A Vermilion Community College and UW–Eau Claire alum, Smith started his coaching career by returning to Vermilion to pour back into the program that shaped him. With a Master’s in Coaching and Athletic Administration, his focus is holistic: building strong athletes, strong leaders, and strong men. His goal with the Engine is to establish a culture of accountability and growth that extends far beyond the gridiron.

General Manager – Pete Saint Fleur
Pete Saint Fleur brings both U.S. and international experience to the East Side Engine. A decorated JUCO and Division II wide receiver who also played professionally in Belgium, Pete’s journey has given him a wide network and deep insight into global football. As a JUCO assistant coach, he mentored over 90 players, directly helping more than 16 move on to four-year programs.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Sports and Business Management and a Master’s in progress, Pete combines education with experience. His personal connections stretch from NFL athletes to leagues in Belgium, the Netherlands, Mexico, and beyond. His vision is clear: build a competitive team and open doors for players to get seen, signed, and advanced to higher levels like the CFL, arena football, and international leagues.

Twin Cities Tundra

Head Coach – Shawn Anderson
Few coaches in Minnesota can match the depth and consistency of Shawn Anderson’s career. A White Bear Lake native and former All-State defensive back, Anderson went on to play at the University of North Texas before beginning his extensive coaching journey in 2002.

From Shakopee High School to Patrick Henry under Hall of Fame coach Roger French, from White Bear Lake to North St. Paul to Forest Lake, Anderson has been a mainstay of Minnesota high school football. His success extended to the semi-pro ranks with the Minnesota Sting, where he engineered two undefeated seasons, back-to-back MPFL titles, and a national championship appearance.

Anderson has also twice been named Defensive Coordinator for the College All-American Bowl in Minneapolis. Known for discipline, detail, and defensive dominance, he now takes command of the Twin Cities Tundra, determined to make them a powerhouse from day one.

General Manager – Adrienne Toliver
With front-office experience managing both the Red Cedar Raptors and the St. Paul Bears, Adrienne Toliver brings grit, resilience, and vision to the Tundra. A native of Eau Claire now living in Inver Grove Heights, Toliver’s leadership philosophy—“Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”—reflects the mindset needed in the tough world of developmental football.

Her vision for the Tundra is bold: encourage staff and players alike to take risks, face challenges with integrity, and remain authentic in the process. Inspired by the DFA’s mission, she wants the Tundra to be more than a football team; she wants them to be an experience that athletes and fans never forget.

Northwest Nightwolves

Head Coach – Tim Jackson
Tim Jackson’s name is synonymous with grassroots football in Minnesota. The Oklahoma native moved north in 1994 and has spent decades shaping the game, from launching the South Metro Patriots to leading the West Central Broncos and owning the Willmar Mud Dawgs.

As a coach and mentor, Jackson emphasizes discipline, accountability, and culture. His vision is not just about wins and losses—it’s about using football as a platform to guide young men toward brighter futures. Known for his straightforward style and dedication to community, Jackson now takes the reins of the Northwest Nightwolves, intent on establishing them as an immediate contender.

General Manager – Jarrett “Deuce” McAllister
Few football résumés are as diverse as Jarrett McAllister’s. A Dassel native and Ridgewater College alum, McAllister played semi-pro for more than a decade, earning seven all-star selections at multiple positions and winning a championship with the Duluth Shoremen.

As a coach, McAllister spent five years at Ridgewater College and currently coaches at Litchfield High School. In 2017, he founded the Minnesota Dawgs, giving young athletes an opportunity to stay on track and develop both in life and football. His philosophy is “old school”: discipline, teamwork, and accountability. For McAllister, culture and trust are the foundation of success, and he intends to make the Nightwolves a place where players want to stay year after year.

Minneapolis Warhawks

Head Coach & League Co-Founder – Michael Johnson (MJ)
Michael Johnson is not only the Head Coach of the Minneapolis Warhawks—he is also co-founder of the DFA. A Miami native, Johnson starred at Carol City Senior High before continuing his playing career at Minnesota West Community College, Minnesota State–Mankato, and over a decade in semi-pro football.

Since transitioning into coaching, Johnson has built a reputation for success at every level. He’s coached at St. Louis Park, Cooper, the Minnesota Grizzlies, and led the Minneapolis Warriors to championships. His résumé includes national titles, playoff victories against arena teams, and most recently, an arena championship with the Duluth Harbor Monsters as Assistant Defensive Coordinator.

Johnson’s philosophy is simple but powerful: build champions on and off the field. With discipline, detail, and accountability at the core, he seeks not only to win games but to develop men. His leadership of the Warhawks and co-founding of the DFA underscores his commitment to creating opportunities for athletes to grow in football and life.

General Manager – Meagan Sims
With a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a professional background in marketing and sales, Meagan Sims brings critical business expertise to the Warhawks’ front office. She was drawn to the DFA by her husband’s involvement with the team and quickly recognized the potential to make a lasting impact.

Her leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, accountability, and empowering others. Sims’ vision is to make the Warhawks inclusive, competitive, and respected both on and off the field. She aims to create a sustainable model for the team that fosters growth, fan engagement, and community connection.

A League Built on Experience

Together, the DFA’s leadership brings over 75 years of combined football coaching and front-office experience, plus decades more as players, mentors, and program-builders. They’ve built teams from scratch, taken programs to championship heights, and guided countless athletes toward college and professional opportunities.

This collective experience spans:

  • High School Football: Nearly every coach has years of HS experience developing young athletes.

  • College Coaching: Robert Smith, Pete Saint Fleur, and Jarrett McAllister bring JUCO and community college experience.

  • Semi-Pro Football: Multiple coaches have led or played for Minnesota’s most competitive semi-pro programs.

  • International & Arena Play: Pete Saint Fleur’s overseas ties and Michael Johnson’s arena résumé expand DFA’s reach.

  • Front-Office Leadership: Toliver, Sims, and Saint Fleur provide organizational strength and business acumen.

The DFA Vision

Founded by Aaron Anderson and Michael Johnson (MJ), the Developmental Football Association is committed to building a professional environment where athletes can grow, compete, and prepare for opportunities at the next level. The league’s foundation is rooted in structure, accountability, and a deep passion for the game.

This is more than football—it’s a developmental movement. The DFA will prepare athletes for success on the field, in their careers, and in their communities. With an unparalleled coaching and leadership group guiding the way, the DFA is positioned to become the premier developmental league in the region.

As the 2026 kickoff approaches, one thing is clear: with this leadership team, the DFA is built on experience, powered by passion, and ready to make history.


Call to Action: Be Part of the DFA Movement

The Developmental Football Association is actively recruiting athletes who are ready to take their game to the next level. Whether your dream is arena football, the CFL, international leagues, or simply competing at the highest developmental level possible, the DFA is your platform.

👉 Players, register today at http://dfa.football to join the movement and secure your shot at the next level.