In news first reported yesterday by Pro Football Newsroom’s James Larsen, and confirmed by XFL News Hub’s Mike Mitchell, Hines Ward is no longer the head coach of the San Antonio Brahmas, replaced by former Houston Roughnecks head coach Wade Phillips.
XFL officials had no comment on the matter, stating they will not provide updates until the final approval of the merger.
Per information provided by Mitchell, Ward declined the pay cut that was offered by the new league. Phillips now has the task of assembling a coaching staff – and bringing aboard a director of player personnel, since Brahmas DPP Tim Lewis is also reportedly gone – just days before the anticipated dispersal draft.
Roughnecks offensive coordinator AJ Smith is expected to join Phillips in San Antonio. However, a few other key assistants on that staff, including special teams coordinator Greg McMahon and defensive coordinator Brian Stewart, have already left for other jobs.
Signs point toward an announcement by the league with further details taking place next week. We’ll have full coverage of whatever is revealed, whenever it happens, right here on XFLBoard.com.
