The Memphis Showboats appear to have a new captain in town. John DeFilippo – previously with the New Orleans Breakers – is set to take over the team following the USFL-XFL merger into the UFL.
We got our guy 🤩
Welcome to the Yacht Club, Coach Flip 😎🚤 pic.twitter.com/R0IrlPUOrs
— Memphis Showboats (@USFLShowboats) January 1, 2024
A couple of months ago, it was announced that Todd Haley would be departing the organization ahead of 2024. Not surprisingly, the leagues waited to fill the vacant spot until after the merger was complete.
DeFilippo brings plenty of professional experience to the table for Memphis. John spent decades in the NFL, winning a superbowl with the Philadelphia Eagles as their quarterbacks coach. He also was the Offensive Coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings.
USFL Tenure
Most recently, John DeFilippo was the head coach of the New Orleans Breakers during the USFL’s 2023 season. John coached an excellent team, as New Orleans finished with a 7-3 record, winning their final three regular season games.
Interestingly enough, John’s Breakers played the Showboats twice last season. The two teams split victories – in week five, Memphis handed New Orleans their first loss of the year. Then in week nine, the Breakers mopped the floor in Memphis, dismantling the Showboats 31-3.
This coaching move makes a lot of sense for the league. DeFilippo is one of the most accomplished coaches in the USFL-XFL, and has the NFL experience that some of the other coaches do not have.
In addition, John was an excellent voice for the USFL – and spring football – this past year. He was extremely dedicated to the success of the New Orleans Breakers, and we expect nothing different from him with Memphis.
It’s been a remarkable season for @USFLBreakers HC John DeFilippo, facing much adversity yet pushing through it all. Post-game, he spoke about how much this team & the #USFL opportunity means to him.
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