As the XFL concludes its 2023 season, there’s an impressive lineup of head coaches leading their teams. From legendary NFL players to experienced collegiate coaches, these eight individuals bring unique talents and backgrounds to the league.
Arlington Renegades | Bob Stoops
XFL Arlington head coach Bob Stoops, famed for his time with the University of Oklahoma and creation of the Air Raid offense, returns as the Renegades head coach. With a 191-48 record over his 33-year college career, Stoops stands as Oklahoma’s winningest coach.
DC Defenders | Reggie Barlow
XFL DC head coach Reggie Barlow of the Defenders combines NFL playing experience with college coaching expertise. Drafted in the fourth round in 1996, Barlow played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Oakland Raiders, and the Super Bowl XXXVII champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers before spending six seasons coaching at Virginia State.
Houston Roughnecks | Wade Phillips
XFL Houston head coach Wade Phillips, leading the Roughnecks, boasts an impressive 40-year coaching career across college and pro levels. He’s coached for Oklahoma State, the University of Kansas, and numerous NFL teams, including the Houston Oilers, New Orleans Saints, and Los Angeles Rams.
Orlando Guardians | Terrell Buckley
XFL Orlando head coach Terrell Buckley for the Guardians enjoyed a 13-year NFL career after being selected fifth overall in the 1992 draft. A Super Bowl XXXVI winner, Buckley played for the Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, New York Jets, and New York Giants.
San Antonio Brahmas | Hines Ward
XFL San Antonio head coach Hines Ward, the new head coach for the Brahmas, was a 13-year NFL veteran and two-time Super Bowl champion. Selected in the third round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1998 NFL Draft, Ward remains the Steelers’ all-time leader in receptions.
Seattle Sea Dragons | Jim Haslett
XFL Seattle head coach Jim Haslett, joining the XFL with over 30 years of coaching experience, has worked with new football leagues like the United Football League’s Florida Tuskers and the World Football League of American Football’s Sacramento Surge. Most recently, he coached for the Tennessee Titans.
St. Louis Battlehawks | Anthony Becht
XFL St Louis head coach Anthony Becht, a 12-year NFL veteran, was drafted 27th overall by the New York Jets in 2000. He makes a significant leap into head coaching after serving as the offensive coordinator for Wiregrass Ranch High School.
Vegas Vipers | Rod Woodson
XFL Las Vegas head coach Rod Woodson, a storied 17-year NFL veteran with three Super Bowl victories, was drafted 10th overall in the 1987 NFL Draft. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2016, Woodson now heads the XFL coaching ranks.
The XFL’s 2023 season was exciting, with these eight head coaches making their mark on the league.
