Following the announcement Sunday regarding the new United Football League, President of Football Operations, Daryl Johnson took to the broadcast of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Arizona Cardinals to discuss the new league, while the interview was more of a discussion on player development and player success in the NFL, Johnson did mention that they are wanting to “build a relationship with” the NFL. This comes as former Birmingham Stallions kicker, now with the Dallas Cowboys is now the top kicker in the NFL with 100% field goal percentage.
On ESPN College GameDay, Monday morning, Dany Garcia and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson were in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl to discuss the home markets for the merged league. They announced that there will be two conferences: The XFL Conference and the USFL Conference. Each conference will consist of four teams to create an eight-team league.
In the USFL Conference, the two-time Birmingham Stallions will be returning to the new league. They will be once again led by the legendary Skip Holtz as they look to take on the 2023 XFL Champs, the Alington Renegades on March 30th in Arlington, TX. The Memphis Showboats will be back for a second season; however, they will be led by the former New Orleans Breakers head coach, John DeFilippo, who came off a successful season, with the Breakers coming in 2nd in the USFL South Division last season. The Michigan Panthers are also making a return for a third season, with Mike Nolan remaining as the Head Coach. The fourth team is the Houston Roughnecks, the team will consist of the Houston Gamblers of the USFL, however the league decided to retain the historic and fan-favorite “Roughnecks” name from the XFL. Gamblers head coach Curtis Jonson will remain to lead the Roughnecks this season.
Meanwhile, in the XFL conference, the Championship Arlington Renegades will be back being led once again by the legendary Bob Stoops. Joining the Renegades will be the San Antonio Brahmas who will be coached by the former Houston Roughnecks Head coach, Wade Phillips. Reggie Barlow will once again be leading the DC Defenders, who will be returning for the 2024 season. Lastly, the Battlehawks will be returning to St. Louis once again led by Anthony Becht.
Although it was not mentioned this morning, it is assumed that all teams will be playing in their home markets. It was confirmed, however, that the players will be reporting on February 24th for training camp in Arlington TX. The 10-game regular season kicks-off with the battle of the 2023 Champions on March 30th.
