UFL’s Orlando Storm Appoint Former Battlehawks Coach, Jets TE Anthony Becht as New Coach

Orlando Storm Names Anthony Becht as Head Coach

The Orlando Storm, one of three new teams in the United Football League (UFL), officially hired Anthony Becht as their head coach. Becht previously led the St. Louis Battlehawks and played tight end in the NFL, bringing extensive experience to the burgeoning franchise.

Becht expressed a mix of emotions about leaving St. Louis to build the new Orlando team. "I look forward to returning to my home state of the last 21 years, where I played three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers," he said, signaling a strong connection with Florida and its football culture.

UFL Co-Owner Mike Repole praised Becht’s credentials and local ties. "As a Florida resident and former Buccaneer, he understands what football means to this state," Repole remarked. The Orlando Storm joins the Columbus Aviators and Louisville Kings as new franchises in the league this season.

The Storm will replace the Michigan Panthers, Memphis Showboats, and San Antonio Brahmas on the UFL roster. This reshuffling reflects the league’s evolving landscape since its formation through the merger of the USFL and XFL.

Becht’s NFL career spanned over a decade, having been selected by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2000 draft. He also played for Tampa Bay, the Rams, Cardinals, and Chiefs, finishing with 21 receiving touchdowns.

After retiring from playing, Becht transitioned to coaching in 2019 as the tight ends coach for San Diego. He became the Battlehawks’ head coach in 2023, guiding the team to a 22-10 combined record over three seasons, including playoffs.

In addition to coaching, Becht has served as the Jets’ radio color commentator since the previous year. His multifaceted football background enhances his capacity to lead the Orlando Storm in the upcoming UFL campaign.

The third UFL season starts soon, marking a new chapter with Becht’s leadership at the helm of the Orlando Storm. Fans will watch closely as he endeavors to establish a strong team identity in Florida’s competitive football environment.

Key Information:

1. Orlando Storm hires Anthony Becht as head coach.
2. Becht formerly coached St. Louis Battlehawks with a 22-10 record.
3. He played 11 NFL seasons with five teams, including the Jets and Buccaneers.
4. The UFL adds three new teams replacing three outgoing franchises.
5. The 2026 season is the UFL’s third since the USFL-XFL merger.

This strategic hire underlines the Orlando Storm’s ambition to build a competitive squad rooted in both local affinity and football expertise.