USFL Announces First Wave of Head Coaches for Inaugural 2022 Season
Get the scoop on the first four HC’s ahead of kickoff in April!
The long awaited announcement is finally here! On Thursday via FOX’s The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the USFL formally introduced fans to two of the South Division head coaches, along with two in the North Division. News also broke that each HC sill also act as the teams General Manager. Rumors swirled about the signings hours before the official announcement but they now appear to be finalized. Let’s get a look at who will be roaming the sidelines for these USFL teams:
New Jersey Generals - Mike Riley
Riley brings his own coaching experience in Spring Football to the Generals. The 2 time Grey Cup winner has been coaching for over thirty years at all types of levels. Riley was the HC in San Antonio with the AAF’s Commanders, as well as the OC/QB Coach of the XFL’s Seattle Dragons. Look for Riley to bring his high-powered offenses to New Jersey in 2022.
Houston Gamblers - Kevin Sumlin
Sumlin is a name that many football fans should be familiar with. Sumlin has a massive amount of college football experience, both as a player and a coach. As a head coach of The University of Houston, Texas A&M, and most recently Arizona, Sumlin accumulated 95 career wins and a bowl record of 4-3. This looks to be a huge get for the USFL.
Tampa Bay Bandits - Todd Haley
Haley is without question the biggest hire of the four HC’s announced on Thursday. Haley coached in some form or fashion in the NFL from 1995-2018. Haley was the Head Coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 2009-2011, posting a record of 19-27. In 2010, Haley led the Chiefs to a 10-6 record and won the AFC West. Tampa Bay looks to be a prime destination for players and coaches alike in 2022 under the tutelage of Todd Haley.
Philadelphia Stars - Bart Andrus
Andrus had coaching experience in practically every league imaginable. NFL, CFL, TSL, XFL, Europe, and everywhere in between. This hire was somewhat expected as Andrus had been coaching in The Spring League since 2018 under USFL’s Brian Woods, CEO of the TSL. Andrus brings an unparalleled amount of experience in Spring Football, and should be a great HC for the Stars.
With rumors of former Auburn HC Gene Chizik set to be announced as the coach of the Birmingham Stallions, Chizik released a statement via Twitter saying:
“Addressing a rumor this morning. I am honored that the new @USFL is interested in me for a HC position. We have had several discussions. Although this is a consideration, nothing has been finalized…
#Facts”
It remains to be seen if the two sides can reach an agreement. The remaining coaching vacancies have been rumored to feature former XFL head coaches. It is unclear who, or how many will come from the XFL ranks. With a Player Selection Meetings scheduled for February 22-23, the true ramp up to kickoff is now underway in the United States Football League.