XFL announces head coaches for 2023, including ex-Dallas Cowboys coach Wade Phillips
The Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson-owned XFL announced Wednesday the hiring of eight coaches for its return to football next year.
Johnson and business partner Dany Garcia joined RedBird Capital Partners’ bid to purchase the XFL for $15 million in August 2020, after the league’s previous owners suspended operations in April of that year.
The XFL was originally created by Vince McMahon, WWE chief executive officer, and ran for one season in 2001 before discontinuing. This will be the third venture to get the XFL going, with the season set to kick off in February 2023.
It’s unknown what teams the eight head coaches will helm, but here’s who’s coaching in the XFL in 2023.
- Wade Phillips: His name should be familiar to Dallas Cowboys fans, as he was head coach from 2007 to 2010. The Orange, Texas, native was previously with the Los Angeles Rams in 2019.
- Bob Stoops: He was a thorn in the side of many Texas college football teams over the years as the longtime coach of the University of Oklahoma from 1999 to 2016. Stoops also previously coached the Dallas Renegades XFL team in 2020.
- Hines Ward: Ward played 13 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, finishing his career in 2011. Since then, Ward has been an offensive assistant with the New York Jets and wide receivers coach at Florida Atlantic University.
- Reggie Barlow: Barlow is another player-turned-coach, drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1996. He’s primarily been a college coach, most recently leading Virginia State in 2021.
- Anthony Becht: He is an 11-year NFL veteran who played with the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. Becht also coached in the Alliance of American Football league in 2018.
- Terrell Buckley: Buckley is a 2019 College Football Hall of Fame inductee for his playing days at Florida State University. Buckley played 14 years in the NFL and is a 2002 Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots.
- Jim Haslett: Haslett has been entrenched in football for most of his life, first playing for the Buffalo Bills in 1979. Over his 40-year coaching career, Haslett has been with many teams, last serving as the inside linebackers coach with the Tennessee Titans in 2021.
- Rod Woodson: Woodson joins the XFL after serving as an analyst with the NFL Network. He is a three-time Super Bowl champion who played 17 years in the NFL.
“We’ve brought together a respected group of coaches with elite football experiences, proven track records of success and a passion for the game,” XFL president Russ Brandon said in a news release.
Additional details about what cities will host teams and venues will be announced in the coming months.
