The United Football League (UFL) has announced key coaching changes ahead of the upcoming season starting in March. Anthony Becht, former tight end in the NFL and head coach of the St. Louis Battlehawks from 2023 through 2025, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Orlando Storm.
Replacing Becht in St. Louis is Ricky Proehl, a former NFL receiver with an extensive playing and coaching background. Proehl has served as the Battlehawks’ receivers coach since 2023 and will take on the head coaching role for the 2026 season.
Proehl’s NFL career spanned 17 years, during which he played in four Super Bowls and won two championships, including two with the St. Louis Rams. His coaching experience includes six seasons with the Carolina Panthers, where he was part of the staff for Super Bowl 50.
“I have so many meaningful and special memories of St. Louis — not only because of the success on the field, but because of the people who made it feel like home,” Proehl said in a press release. He expressed gratitude for his time working alongside Becht and highlighted his dedication to player development.
The Battlehawks enjoy the largest home-game attendance figures in the UFL, making St. Louis one of the league’s most vibrant football markets. Proehl aims to leverage this strong fan base to pursue another championship title for the city.
This coaching shuffle is part of a broader reconfiguration of the league’s eight franchises as the UFL prepares to relaunch in March. The league’s adjustments reflect a strategic effort to enhance competitiveness and audience engagement.
The Orlando Storm, under Becht’s leadership, are expected to benefit from his NFL and coaching experience. Becht’s transition to Orlando marks a new chapter for both him and the team as they target improved performance and fan appeal next season.
These moves reinforce the UFL’s commitment to cultivating high-quality coaching talent and maintaining strong connections to football communities in their respective cities. The league’s evolving coaching landscape will be pivotal in shaping the competitive storylines for the season ahead.
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