Former San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Assumes Duties From Jeff Fisher

DETROIT  (Feb. 3, 2023) – The USFL today announced that NFL veteran coach Mike Nolan has been hired to lead the Michigan Panthers. He immediately assumes duties from former Head Coach Jeff Fisher, who is stepping down for personal reasons.

“We are honored to welcome Mike Nolan to the USFL family as the new head coach of the Michigan Panthers,” said Daryl Johnston, Executive Vice President of Football Operations. “When Coach Fisher informed us that he needed to step down, we immediately started the challenging process to find another experienced, charismatic leader to replace him while at the same time, create excitement for Michigan Panthers players and fans as we open our Detroit Hub to start USFL Year 2. Mike was the perfect fit for that role. He has coached for more than 30 years in the NFL. His extensive football knowledge and coaching experience will maximize his players’ talents and help them succeed at the professional level. We couldn’t have found a better fit for the Michigan Panthers and the USFL.”

Nolan, 63, returns to professional football’s top job for the second time after leading the San Francisco 49ers from 2005-2008. He’s held numerous coaching positions for 11 NFL franchises, mostly on defense. He’s looking forward to playing in Detroit in front of Michigan Panthers fans.

“I am very excited to join the USFL and the Michigan Panthers,” said Nolan. “Playing great football and competing at a high level is what the Panthers are going to be about. It will take a loud and rabid fanbase to help us get there. I’ve experienced the passionate fans of Michigan and Detroit while coaching against the Lions, and I was always impressed. Our goal with the Panthers is to play with energy and pride for the entire state we represent. I want our fans to be proud to root for the Panthers.”

Nolan’s father, Dick Nolan, was head coach for the 49ers and the New Orleans Saints, so the new Michigan Panthers head coach understands what it takes to compete.

“As the son of a coach, I was blessed to be around the game and football players for all of my life,” said Nolan. “I love the game, but more importantly, I love the relationships that are created when competing for a common goal. My staff and I look forward to getting to work and beginning the process to make the Panthers the top team in the USFL.”

Nolan replaces Fisher, who is stepping down for personal reasons. Fisher spent four decades as a football player and head coach, and is a recognized rules expert who spent years as a member of the NFL Competition Committee.

“I have made the tough decision to step away from coaching in the USFL to spend more time with my family, including our five grand-babies, and enjoying my semi-retirement to the fullest,” said Fisher. “Coaching in the USFL has been an incredible experience, and I am firm believer the league has a tremendous future. I am extremely grateful to our players, coaches and fans, and the excellent leadership at the USFL. I look forward to tuning-in to FOX and NBC to watch the amazing teams compete this season on their road to a USFL Championship.” 

USFL officials credit Fisher for helping the league pave a successful path, including last week’s announcement that the Michigan Panthers were returning home this season to play home games in downtown Detroit.

“We are so grateful for Coach Fisher’s contributions, not only to stand up the Michigan Panthers franchise, but also everything he did to position the USFL for long-term success,” said Johnston. “Jeff added immediate credibility to our new league. He was a great teacher to his players, to his coaches, and was an invaluable resource for all of us at the league level. He was a tireless promoter of the USFL, and his wisdom and experience were a benefit to everyone in the league. Coach Fisher played a critical role in USFL Year 1 and will always have a special place in the history of our league.”

About the United States Football League (USFL):

Fun, fast, and physical, the USFL is a fan-first, player-friendly, stand-alone major professional spring football league. Run by experienced football leaders, the USFL’s first season finished July 3, 2022, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame stadium in Canton, Ohio, with the Birmingham Stallions winning the championship by defeating the Philadelphia Stars, 33-30. FOX Sports and NBC Sports are official media partners, presenting all 43 regular- and postseason games for the 8-team league. Former NFL Dallas Cowboys player and current FOX NFL analyst Daryl Johnston is USFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations. Former NFL Vice President of Officiating and current FOX NFL analyst Mike Pereira is USFL Head of Officiating. “United By Football” for fans of America’s favorite sport, USFL Season 2 kicks off April 15, 2023. Visit theUSFL.com and follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.