Today XFL owners Dany Garcia and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson revealed their eight head coaching hires for the soon to be re-launched league.
The list includes three former head coaches and five former NFL players.
Former NFL head coaches Wade Phillips and Jim Haslett will be joined by former Oklahoma Sooners head coach, Bob Stoops.
The remaining five coaches are former NFL players Terrell Buckley, Hines Ward, Rod Woodson, Reggie Barlow and Anthony Becht.
“Our head coaches are a diverse group of leaders, champions and hall of famers with experience competing and coaching at the highest level in football. Not only will they be mentors to our players, but they are also ambassadors of the XFL as we work together to build tomorrow’s league,” said Dany Garcia, Co-Owner and Chairwoman of the XFL in a statement. “What is most exciting about our talented coaches is that they all share our vision for the XFL and are committed to advancing the game of football for players and making it into a must-watch program for fans. The XFL is anchored in the belief of opportunity, and, just like our players, these football legends will drive the future of the game.”
There is still more to hash out, including team assignments and whether league games will be played in local markets or in one single location like the upcoming USFL, which will stage the majority of its games for the 2022 season in Birmingham, Alabama.
But as of today, we know who the on-field leaders of the XFL will be.
“This is yet another huge moment for the XFL. I have experienced first-hand the positive influence and impact that coaches can have on a player’s life, and with our group of smart, accomplished and motivating head coaches, I expect nothing less. Not only will these coaches be mentors to our players, but they will be a big part of the cities in which we will operate. Stay tuned,” said Dwayne Johnson.
One interesting note is that the league has an HBCU tie in through new head coach, Reggie Barlow, who spent the last six seasons as the head football coach at Virginia State University.
The XFL is scheduled to begin play in February 2023.
