Showboats hire Ken Whisenhunt as head coach

Field Level Media|published: Mon 23rd September, 14:22 2024

Tennessee Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt argues a referee's call during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Nissan Stadium Oct. 11, 2015. The Titans lost 14-13. Nas Titans1012

The United Football League's Memphis Showboats named Ken Whisenhunt as their new head coach on Monday.

He previously served as head coach of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals (2007-12) and Tennessee Titans (2014-15).

Whisenhunt, 62, most recently was a special assistant to former Alabama head coach Nick Saban for the 2023 season.

"I'm truly excited about this opportunity," Whisenhunt said. "I have been watching these leagues over the past few years and I'm amazed at how things have grown and advanced. I'm looking forward to working with these young men. I know how important it is for them to have the opportunity to play professional football and have the possibility of getting to the NFL or back to the NFL."

Whisenhunt went 45-51 with the Cardinals and 3-20 with the Titans. His 2008 Arizona squad lost 27-23 in Super Bowl XLIII to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He also worked as the offensive coordinator for the Steelers (2004-06), including a victory in Super Bowl XL, and the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers (2013, 2016-19).

The Showboats also announced the hiring of former XFL senior director of football operations Jim Monos as their new general manager.

"We're thrilled to add both Ken and Jim to the UFL to lead our Memphis Showboats franchise," UFL president and CEO Russ Brandon said. "Both men bring deep football credentials and pedigree to our league as we continue to build our football ecosystem."

The 2025 UFL season begins on March 28. The Showboats finished 2-8 under former head coach John DeFilippo during the spring league's inaugural season in 2024.

--Field Level Media