STWF Sports | DALLAS, Texas | Dec. 30, 2025 — The United Football League officially turned the page on a new era Tuesday, announcing the hiring of Rick Neuheisel as head coach of the Dallas Renegades.
Neuheisel replaces Bob Stoops, who retired earlier this month after leading the franchise for the past three seasons. The announcement was made by UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon, signaling the league’s commitment to experience, credibility, and long-term player development as it continues to grow its spring football footprint.
“The United Football League is fortunate to have a legendary football coach like Rick Neuheisel join its ranks,” Brandon said. “Rick is exceptional at what he does and raises the bar everywhere he goes. We are excited to see the kind of game he will bring to our league. It will not only mold our players but take them to the next level.”
Few coaches bring a résumé as expansive as Neuheisel’s. His coaching career spans five decades and includes head coaching stops at Colorado, Washington, and UCLA, along with NFL experience as an assistant with the Baltimore Ravens. Across his collegiate head coaching tenure, Neuheisel compiled an 87–59 record, highlighted by a Pac-10 championship at Washington in 2000 that culminated in a Rose Bowl victory over Purdue, as well as a Pac-12 South Division title with UCLA in 2011.
Before stepping into the UFL spotlight, Neuheisel also led the Arizona Hotshots of the Alliance of American Football in 2019, guiding the club to a 5–3 record before the league ceased operations. That experience, combined with his deep roots in spring football, made the transition to the Renegades a natural fit.
“I am elated to join the UFL as the head coach of the Dallas Renegades,” Neuheisel said. “I have been a big believer in spring football since its inception with the USFL back in the ’80s when I played quarterback for the San Antonio Gunslingers. While it is not easy to follow in the footsteps of Bob Stoops, it is exciting to join the incredible sports scene in Dallas. I can’t wait to get to work.”
Neuheisel’s football legacy began long before his coaching success. A member of the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, he was the starting quarterback for UCLA’s 1983 Pac-10 championship team and led the Bruins to a dominant 45–8 victory over Illinois in the 1984 Rose Bowl. He later played professionally in the USFL and NFL, adding another layer of perspective to his coaching philosophy.
UFL Senior Vice President and League General Manager Doug Whaley emphasized the broader impact Neuheisel is expected to have across the league.
“Rick’s longevity in the football ecosystem as a player, coach, and broadcaster is a testament to the respect he has in the industry,” Whaley said. “We’re excited for him to share that knowledge not only with his players and staff, but throughout the league.”
In addition to his coaching duties, Neuheisel will continue his role as a college football analyst with CBS Sports, including appearances on College Football Today and Inside College Football, as well as his SiriusXM College Sports Radio show Full Ride.
For the Renegades, the hire represents both continuity and evolution. Following Stoops’ steady leadership, Dallas now turns to a coach whose background blends championship pedigree, media savvy, and a long-standing belief in the value of spring football. With the UFL’s 2026 season set to kick off March 27, Neuheisel steps in with little time to waste—and plenty of expectations to meet—as the Renegades aim to reestablish themselves as a cornerstone franchise in the league’s next chapter. This is filled with explosive and exciting on field plays to get the fans hyped and engaged!
