It has been a very busy day for the USFL. Both the Memphis Showboats and the Michigan Panthers released their official schedules for the 2023 season, alongside the six other USFL teams.
In the midst of all of this news, both these franchises hired new defensive coordinators. Let’s take a look at who they brought in, and how they will fit their respective organizations.
Memphis Showboats: Carnell Lake
Todd Haley will have a new face running his defense in 2023. Pepper Johnson is being replaced by Carnell Lake, who was already part of Haley’s staff in 2022.
Carnell Lake has been named the defensive coordinator for the @USFLShowboats, replacing Pepper Johnson. Lake served as DB's coach in season one for Tampa Bay.
Bob Saunders remains as the OC for Todd Haley as Memphis prepares for the upcoming #USFL season.
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) February 7, 2023
Lake served as a defensive backs coach for the Tampa Bay Bandits. While the Bandits struggled throughout the season, they did have an excellent defense with many players who made a major impact.
Now, Lake will look to build upon that success in Memphis, with the Showboats. Lake does bring plenty of experience to the team. He formerly played for the Pittsburgh Steelers – and – was the team’s defensive backs coach for multiple years.
Michigan Panthers: Steve Brown
The Michigan Panthers will see a major coaching rebrand in 2023. First and foremost, Jeff Fisher recently stepped down. This led to the league bringing in Mike Nolan as the new head coach of the franchise.
Mike Nolan, new Head Coach for the Michigan Panthers, has brought in Steve Brown to serve as his Defensive Coordinator. Brown formerly coached at East Tennessee State, and now joins Nolan in the #USFL for season two.
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) February 7, 2023
Now, Steve Brown joins the team as the defensive coordinator for season two of the USFL. Brown has a lot of experience, coaching for many teams across the NFL and college football. He most recently served as the DB coach at East Tennessee State.
Michigan is primed for success in 2023. The USFL organization will be playing in Detroit this season, at Ford Field. They have their star running back returning, in Reggie Corbin. On top of that, OC Eric Marty remains on the staff.
We now know our coordinators for this year.
I'm thrilled that @CoachEricMarty returns as OC again. His offense can only get better in 2023.
And we can welcome @CoachSbrown24 as the Panthers new DC for 2023. Welcome, Coach Brown!#USFL #LetsHunt #USFL2023
— Panthers Shadow (@USFLShadow) February 7, 2023
While the Panthers finished year one with a 2-8 record, fans should expect this new staff to turn the culture around in Michigan this season.
Final Thoughts
It’s bound to be an exciting couple of months leading up to USFL kickoff. The Memphis Showboats will kick off season two in the USFL, on April 15th, hosting the Philadelphia Stars. Meanwhile, the Michigan Panthers will travel to Memphis to face off against the Houston Gamblers on April 16th.
What do you think of these coaching hires for the USFL? How will each team benefit from a new face at the helm? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
