As we enter the final month of the year, the United Football League is making additional changes ahead of 2026, when it will join with three new franchises.
Our favorite UFL sportsbooks are waiting until the draft concludes and rosters are finalized before creating futures or Week 1 game lines. Still, there are several intriguing developments underway that will impact gambling this season.
Two UFL Coaches Will Not Return For The 2026 Season
Two UFL head coaches are already confirmed as not returning for the 2026 season.
Mike Nolan Out In Michigan
Michigan Panthers head coach Mike Nolan has been let go after the 2025 campaign, despite leading Michigan to a strong year and a deep postseason run. Nolan was also the 2024 UFL Coach of the Year.
The league’s front office rendered this decision. No replacement has been announced for the Panthers.
Chris Johson Out In Houston
In addition, head coach of the Houston Roughnecks and Gamblers, Curtis “CJ” Johnson, and his staff have been informed they will not be back for 2026, ending a multi‑year tenure with the franchise. These moves come amid broader structural changes across the league, with ownership reshaping football operations and signaling that more coaching turnover could follow.
Daryl Johnston Out As UFL VP Of Football Operations
Longtime executive vice president of football operations Daryl Johnston will not return after the league chose not to renew his contract.
Johnston has been a prominent figure in spring football, holding leadership roles with the AAF’s San Antonio Commanders, the XFL’s Dallas Renegades, and later the reconstituted XFL, before continuing in the same position when the league merged with the USFL to form the UFL.
His departure is closely tied to new ownership influence from Mike Repole, who is pushing a top‑to‑bottom restructuring that already includes eliminating all eight general manager positions in favor of a centralized player personnel model.
UFL CEO and President Russ Brandon will handle all football operations duties going forward.
Fans Decide The Orlando Storm’s Mascot
The UFL is inviting fans in Central Florida to choose the new Orlando Storm mascot ahead of the team’s inaugural 2026 season. Supporters can vote among three finalists: Human-Storm Hero, Bobcat, and Weather God, with voting open through December 7th at the league’s website and the team’s social media channels.