Tue Mar 25 13:20:00 UTC 2025: ## UFL’s Memphis Showboats Lose Head Coach Days Before Season Opener

**MEMPHIS, TN –** The United Football League (UFL) is facing a coaching crisis just days before the start of its regular season. For the second time in as many days, the league has had to replace a head coach. Memphis Showboats head coach Ken Whisenhunt has taken a leave of absence for personal reasons, the UFL announced Monday. This follows the departure of D.C. Defenders coach Reggie Barlow, who accepted the head coaching position at Tennessee State University on Sunday.

Whisenhunt, a former NFL head coach and player, joined the Showboats last fall. Offensive line coach Jim Turner will assume head coaching duties in his absence. UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon released a statement expressing support for Whisenhunt, stating, “If and when Ken Whisenhunt is ready to return to the UFL family, we will welcome him with open arms… We respect Ken’s decision to take a leave of absence for personal reasons at this time.”

The Showboats are scheduled to open their season against the Michigan Panthers this Sunday at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN. The unexpected coaching changes add another layer of complexity to the league’s inaugural season.

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