Sixty-One Additional Coaches were employed by the USFL on March 17th, bringing the total to Sixty-Nine total staff members between the eight inaugural teams. While being led by Bart Andrus (HC of the Stars) and Mike Riley (HC of the Generals), Nine more coaches who had previous experience in the XFL were added to the USFL bringing the total to eleven or 16% of the league. With the USFL making it clear they are looking to branch out on their own and not be an extension of The Spring League, AAF or XFL, having a league that over 80% of the coaches and players are “fresh faces” is a great start for the league.
Birmingham Stallions:
Jonathan Himebauch Offensive Line Coach: Tampa Bay Vipers
Himebauch joins the Stallions after stints in College, the XFL, the AAF, the CFL, and a season in High School. Himebauch also has experience playing in the NFL, NFL Europe, CFL, and the XFL (1.0). As a player and Coach Himebauch has won and XFL Championship with the LA Xtreme and three Grey Cups with the Argos and Alouettes.
Larry Kirksey Running Backs Coach: Seattle Dragons
Kirksey is a former Super Bowl Champion who has coached in the NFL for 17 years. He’s coached players like Jerry Rice, Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins, and Jimmy Smith. He also won a National Championship with the University of Alabama in 1992 as a Running Backs Coach. Most recently, he was the Wide Receivers coach with the Seattle Dragons, and the Head Coach of The Sea Lions of the Spring League.
Houston Gamblers
Tim Lewis Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach: St. Louis Battlehawks
Lewis is a former NFL first round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 1983. After retiring in 1986 Lewis began his coaching career in 1987 starting in college and eventually coaching 21 seasons in the NFL. Lewis would be the Head Coach of the Birmingham Iron leading them to a 5-3 record before the league went defunct. Lewis would then join the XFL’s Battlehawks as the Defensive Backs Coach before COVID ended the season prematurely.
New Jersey Generals
Mike Riley Head Coach: Seattle Dragons
The head man in New Jersey joins the USFL after serving as the Offensive Coordinator for the Seattle Dragons. Riley’s impressive resume includes stints in the XFL, AAF, CFL, WLAF, NFL and College while sporting a record of 188-179.
Cris Dishman Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach: New York Guardians
Dishman joins Riley after working in the XFL with the New York Guardians. Dishman is an NFL veteran playing 13 seasons, making the Pro Bowl twice. Dishman has spent time coaching in NFL Europe, CFL, College, the NFL and the XFL 2.0.
Steven Smith Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach: Seattle Dragons
Smith joins Riley after working together with the Dragons in the XFL. Smith has coached in the AFL, NFL, College and XFL (2.0). Smith was also the Head Coach of the Lincoln University Blue Tigers, for two seasons leading them to a 4-17 record.
Philadelphia Stars
Bart Andrus Head Coach: Team 9
This is Andrus’ Ninth opportunity as Head Coach in his career. Andrus has spent time as a Head Coach in the UFL, CFL, NFL Europe, The Spring League, and as a college coach. Andrus combined with his TSL QB Bryan Scott look to continue their success from the spring in the USFL.
Martin Bayless Defensive Backs Coach/Special Teams Coordinator: LA Wildcats
Bayless is a 13-year NFL veteran, who has worked in the NFL, UFL, College, NFL Europe, YCF, the AAF, and the XFL (2.0). Bayless’ joins Andrus’ staff after working with Winston Moss and the LA Wildcats where he held the same title as Special Teams Coordinator in 2020.
Jeff Jagodzinski Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach: Dallas Renegades
Jagodzinski and Andrus ironically were both at one point a Head Coach of the UFL’s Omaha Nighthawks and now find themselves working together over Ten years later. Jagodzinski has coached in the ELF, XFL (2.0), NFL, College, and in High School. As a Head Coach Jogodzinski’s record is 23-13 including a bowl record of 1-1.
Tampa Bay Bandits
Pepper Johnson Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach: LA Wildcats
Johnson comes from the tree of Bill Belichick and Bill Parcells winning Five Super Bowl Championships between his time with Giants and Patriots. Johnson has spent 17 Seasons as Defensive Assistant in the NFL before joining the Memphis Express of the AAF in 2019, and earning his first Defensive Coordinator Job with the LA Wildcats in 2020.
Bob Saunders Wide Receivers Coach: DC Defenders
Saunders joins the Bandits after spending 2020 with the Defenders. Saunders has coached in the professional circle since 2002 with stops in the NFL and UFL.
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