Key Points:
- Todd Haley will not return as head coach for the Memphis Showboats in 2024.
- The departure comes amid the USFL-XFL merger, leaving uncertainty for the league and potential successors.
- Todd Haley’s USFL record stands at 9-11, having missed the playoffs both years.
Change is in the air as the United States Football League (USFL) announces a merger with the XFL. As if that wasn’t enough to signal a new era for the league, Todd Haley, head coach of the Memphis Showboats, will not be returning for the 2024 season.
USFL Tenure and Memphis Showboats Journey
Todd Haley’s USFL journey began in 2022 as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Bandits. After an underwhelming season that culminated in a 4-6 record, the Bandits’ management made some sweeping changes. The organization rebranded as the Memphis Showboats, and Haley retained his role as the head coach. However, even with a fresh start, the Showboats finished the 2023 season at 5-5—just shy of making the playoffs.
Haley’s two years in the league saw both highs and lows. Despite a rocky start to the 2023 season, the Showboats managed a mid-season revival, racking up five straight wins. Alas, this momentum fizzled out toward the season’s end, resulting in another year without postseason action for Haley and the Showboats.
The USFL-XFL Merger and Its Impact
News of the USFL’s planned merger with the XFL places the Showboats, and indeed all eight USFL teams, on uncertain ground. This merger could bring a new dynamic to the league and raise questions about how existing staff and coaches fit into the new structure.
Potential Successors
Carnell Lake, the current defensive coordinator for the Showboats, could be next in line to succeed Haley. Another possibility is Anthony Blevins, who recently joined the XFL’s Vegas Vipers—a team that could pause post-merger. There is also the XFL Houston Roughnecks or Houston Gamblers coaching staff situation. Could Wade Phillips take over as Houston Gamblers head coach and Curtis Johnson move over to the Showboats. With the Roughnecks the team mostly likely to dissolve post merger.
As the USFL heads into a new era shaped by its merger with the XFL, Todd Haley’s departure represents just the tip of the iceberg. Whether the Showboats find success under new leadership remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the league is at a critical juncture, and its next moves could define its future for years to come.
The Showboats just completed their select-a -seat event so it is highly likely the Memphis Showboats remain in new merged league.
