The Michigan Panthers have finalized their coaching staff ahead of the first season of the United Football League.
The team, one of four former United States Football League squads in the new merged USFL-XFL league, will begin play against the St. Louis Battlehawks on March 30. Home games will be played at Ford Field.
Former 49ers head coach Mike Nolan will return as head coach. He led the Panthers to a 4-6 overall record in his first season in 2023.
“Whenever we put a staff together, we are looking to find a balance in experience, teaching and energy,” Nolan said. “I think our group this year truly embodies that. We have guys with collegiate experience and NFL experience. They are all very good teachers who will bring great perspective and energy to our team.”
Steve Kozar will also return for his second season as the general manager of the Michigan Panthers.
This year’s coaching staff will return six coaches from the 2023 season and will add two new faces. Here is a closer look at each of them:
Marcel Bellefeuille - Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach
Previously served as wide receivers coach for the USFL’s Philadelphia Stars from 2022-23. He also has long history of coaching in the Canadian Football League spending time with five different teams, including serving as the head coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats from 2008-11.
Collin Bauer - defensive coordinator and defensive line coach
Spent five seasons coaching defensive position groups at Towson University. Served as defensive quality control coach at Rutgers before that.
Christian Runza – linebackers coach
Has also coached at Towson University and Monmouth University.
Tim Holt – offensive line coach
Holt has NFL experience with the Oakland Raiders, as an assistant offensive line coach. He was the Chicago Bears offensive line coach in 2012, and also had a stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Gary Watkins – tight ends coach
Also head soach at San Diego Mesa College.
Jaron Fairman - special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach
Fairman played as a WR at Fresno State from 2003-2006 and has coached at several schools, most recently as an analyst at Ole Miss.
Jordan Pavlisin - running back coach and quality control
Played Arena and European football. Has coaching experience at Elon University and the University of Louisiana
Brock Marion – Defensive backs
Former Pro-Bowl safety with the Miami Dolphins also coached for the USFL’s Memphis Showboats.
