Landin Sledge has been appointed as the new flag football coach at Kansas Wesleyan University, inheriting a program that placed third in the inaugural NAIA Flag Football Invitational held in Bradenton, Florida.
A Familiar Face Returns
Sledge comes to Salina after a distinguished stint at UNC Charlotte, where he not only played quarterback for the men’s club team but also founded the university’s women’s flag football program. Under his leadership the 49ers compiled a 30‑10 record against Division I and II opponents over the past three seasons.
Before coaching, Sledge was a standout signal‑caller at Riverside High School in Durham, North Carolina, throwing for 6,799 career passing yards and 74 touchdowns. He first encountered flag football through a roommate at UNC Charlotte, a moment that set him on a path that would culminate in his current role.
Building on Past Success
In a recent interview, Sledge said his primary goals are to maintain consistency, deepen community ties, and expand on the groundwork laid by previous coaches. He emphasized a disciplined, hardworking culture and noted that he already has new recruits eager to join the squad.
Sledge’s familiarity with the Kansas Wesleyan roster stems from his recent interactions with players and staff, allowing him to hit the ground running. He hopes to blend his experience in both playing and building programs into a cohesive strategy that can compete at the national level.
The university’s athletic director, Chris Snyder, expressed confidence in Sledge’s ability to lead the program forward, while Melinda Nguyen, a senior student‑athlete, welcomed the continuity and fresh energy the new coach brings.