The Memphis Showboats continue to face major changes heading into 2025. Head coach John DeFilippo will not return to the franchise next season, multiple sources told Pro Football Newsroom. Mark Perry of UFL News Hub was the first to break the news.
BREAKING NEWS: Memphis Showboats HC John DeFilippo and the #UFL are separating, according to sources, as reported @UFLNewsHubcom.
DeFilippo was HC for the USFL’s Breakers in 2023 before taking over Memphis in the merger process.
Brand new board for @USFLShowboats in 2025. pic.twitter.com/ZKhDCMl98F
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) 9 August 2024
This news comes just weeks after General Manager Dennis Polian announced his resignation from his position with the Showboats. Now, neither GM nor HC will return to Memphis in 2025.
DeFilippo’s tenure at the UFL
John DeFilippo has had an interesting journey to Memphis. Originally with the USFL’s New Orleans Breakers in 2023, he helped the team to a 7-3 record and secure a postseason berth, but they eventually lost to Birmingham in the semifinals.
When the USFL-XFL merger process became official, it was clear that New Orleans would not be involved. With Todd Haley having been fired from his position earlier this year, the Showboats needed a new head coach.
DeFilippo was offered the job and accepted it without hesitation. John eventually brought some of his staff over from New Orleans, but also kept Showboats DC Carnell Lake.
This season, things weren’t going so well for the Memphis Showboats in the UFL. Their defense was by far the worst in the league and their offense wasn’t much better, leaving Memphis with a 2-8 record. It was a season of frustration given the amount of talent on the roster.
🥹 @UFLCoachFlip was emotional after the @USFLShowboats Victory on Sunday 🫶 pic.twitter.com/m2BOT6AZvB
— United Football League (@TheUFL) June 4, 2024
For the 2025 season, fans will have to look forward to a brand new team for the second time in two seasons. So far, the UFL has not announced anything official about John DeFilippo and his future in Memphis.
Moving forward
The USFL-XFL merger saw several head coaches lose their jobs, including Mike Riley, Bart Andrus, Jim Haslett, and others. One name to keep an eye on is Anthony Blevins. He was hired to replace Rod Woodson at the Vegas Vipers, but never got the chance to become a head coach in the UFL. However, towards the end of the UFL season, Blevins was added to Skip Holtz’s defensive staff, so it’s unclear if he’s still eligible for a spot.
See also
🚨 BREAK 🚨
Per @CoachSHoltz To @WJOX945Coach John Chavis is no longer with the team.
The Stallions hired Anthony Blevins to help with defense. Blevins was set to become the head coach of the Vegas Vipers prior to the merger.
Blevins is a local product. He was born and… pic.twitter.com/7LrI0uGjih
— Condition of the Stallions 🏆🏆🏆 (@SOTStallions) May 28, 2024
Regardless, the Memphis Showboats will have a brand new GM and head coach again next season, just as the same change occurred in 2023-2024 when Dave Razzano and Todd Haley left the team.
The UFL is expected to issue a statement on the matter shortly.
What do you think about John DeFilippo parting ways with the Showboats? Who would you like to see coach in Memphis next year? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord!
