WASHINGTON, D.C. February 21, 2019 – The XFL today announced that Pep Hamilton, who has more than 20 years of experience as a football coach in the NFL and with major college programs, has been named the head coach and general manager of the XFL team in Washington, D.C.
“We are thrilled to welcome Pep Hamilton to the XFL family,” said Oliver Luck, XFL Commissioner & CEO. “Pep, through hard work and dedication, has climbed the coaching ladder in the college and pro ranks, and has earned this opportunity to become a head coach for the first time in his career. It’s meaningful that Pep will lead our team in Washington, where he played quarterback and began his coaching career at Howard University.”
“I’m excited to join the XFL and lead the team in Washington, a city with which I have a lifelong attachment,” said Hamilton. “I appreciate the confidence Vince McMahon and Oliver Luck have in me, providing an opportunity to be the head coach and placing the football operations of their Washington team in my hands. We plan to put together a terrific, hard-working staff, and a great football team for fans in and around our nation’s capital.”
Hamilton, who joins Bob Stoops as a newly-named XFL head coach and general manager, has focused his coaching career on the offensive side of the game. He has coached and developed many outstanding college and professional quarterbacks, including Jay Cutler, Brian Griese, Andrew Luck, and Alex Smith.
Hamilton joins the XFL with more than 10 years of coaching experience across five NFL teams: the Cleveland Browns (2016); Indianapolis Colts (2013-15); Chicago Bears (2007-09); San Francisco 49ers (2006) and New York Jets (2003-05).
With the Browns, Hamilton was the associate head coach on offense, and before that, served three seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Colts, who went 22-10 during his first two seasons, winning two AFC South division titles and advancing to the 2014 AFC Championship Game. That season, the Colts set franchise records for passing yards (4,894) and net yards (6,506), with the passing total leading all NFL teams.
During Hamilton’s three seasons in Chicago, he worked as the Bears’ quarterbacks coach and before that was the San Francisco 49ers offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach. He held the same positions with the New York Jets for two seasons after beginning his NFL coaching career as the team’s offensive quality control coach in 2003.
Hamilton’s college career includes two years as the University of Michigan’s assistant head coach and passing game coordinator (2017-18), working with head coach Jim Harbaugh. Hamilton joined Harbaugh’s staff at Stanford in 2010 as the wide receivers coach, then served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach (2011-12).
He began his coaching career as the quarterbacks coach at his alma mater, Howard University, for five seasons (1997-2001). Hamilton added the role of offensive coordinator to his responsibilities during his final three seasons. Hamilton earned his bachelor’s degree in business in 1997 from Howard where he played quarterback from 1993 to 1996, receiving the school’s scholar-athlete award in 1995 and 1996.
About The XFL The XFL will reimagine football for the 21st century when it kicks off the weekend of February 8-9, 2020. The new league is committed to delivering a fan-centric, innovative experience, including fast-paced games and a family-friendly environment, complemented by cross-platform viewing options and real-time fan engagement.
Football is America’s favorite sport boasting over 85 million fans, but the traditional season is just too short. Seeing a tremendous opportunity to fill the void, Vince McMahon, XFL Founder and Chairman announced on January 25, 2018, the launch of a new league, which he is personally funding. McMahon is building the XFL with the same commitment and resolve that he has demonstrated building WWE into a global media and sports entertainment powerhouse.
Delivering authentic, high energy football for the whole family at an affordable price, the XFL will offer fast-paced games with fewer play stoppages and simpler rules. The league will launch with eight teams, 45-man active rosters, and a 10-week regular season schedule, with a postseason consisting of two semifinal playoff games and a championship game. The XFL will also establish a health, wellness and safety program that meets the needs of today’s athletes.
The XFL will embrace the latest on and off-field technology, providing live game coverage, content and real-time engagement across multiple platforms, giving fans greater access than ever before. The XFL is committed to building grassroots relationships with local organizations in its host cities through social responsibility partnerships, and the XFL will enjoy the support of WWE’s many extraordinary resources and promotional capabilities.
The XFL will launch next year in Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Seattle, Tampa Bay and Washington D.C.
