The Houston Roughnecks sported one of the top XFL defenses, largely due to defensive coordinator Brian Stewart. However, Stewart is apparently moving onto a new venture, having been hired by Middle Tennessee State today.
#NewBlue24 pic.twitter.com/eTGO0YqF3U
— Brian Stewart (@stewdg1) December 11, 2023
Stewart has been brought in by Middle Tennessee State as their new defensive coordinator. He will also be serving as an Assistant Head Coach and Safeties Coach.
Brian Stewart joined Wade Phillips’ coaching staff in Houston, and proved his value in 2023. The Houston Roughnecks won the XFL South Division with a 7-3 record, doing an excellent job defensively throughout most of the season.
We've got a big man interception just in time for Easter Sunday! Trevon Mason bats it up in the air, and then picks it off, setting up the @XFLRoughnecks nicely.
Houston's defense is always making something happen in the @XFL2023. #XFL pic.twitter.com/MsPtq5BXx7
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 9, 2023
Houston saw a few of their defenders sign NFL contracts after the XFL season concluded. This includes:
DL C.J. Brewer
DL Jack Heflin
LB Charles Wiley
During the XFL’s 2023 season, the Houston Roughnecks allowed just 18.2 PPG. In the postseason, however, the Arlington Renegades scored 26 points, as Houston fell by 15 in that matchup.
Well, that's not ideal Dinucci…#Interception @XFLSeaDragons #XFL @XFL2023 @XFLRoughnecks pic.twitter.com/yk4TgBb6US
— Between The Goalposts (@NoahBeauso) March 17, 2023
Now, Brian Stewart has taken a role with Middle Tennessee State for the 2024 collegiate season. Stewart isn’t the first XFL defensive coordinator to move on. Cris Dishman (Vegas Vipers) will not be with the team next season. In addition, San Antonio Brahmas DC Jim Herrmann took a job in the European League of Football.
Final Thoughts
Right now, it’s unclear as to if the Houston Roughnecks will be a part of the USFL-XFL merger. There can only be one Houston team, and the leagues have yet to decide as to if it will be the Roughnecks, or the USFL’s Gamblers.
Whatever the case may be, it appears as if the Roughnecks will need a new DC in 2024 if they make the cut.
What are your thoughts on Brian Stewart taking a role in college? What did you think of his Roughnecks defense in 2023? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
