In a short time, the UFL has established that it is the “Land of Opportunity” for players looking for an opportunity to earn their big break in professional football. After the inaugural 2024 UFL season, several UFL players were rewarded by NFL teams as several NFL teams signed UFL players to their training camp rosters. Recently, it has come to light that not only is the UFL a proving ground for players needing an opportunity, but it is also a chance for young coaches to have a chance to move up in the world of elite football.
This week, several reports linked Saint Louis Battlehawks head coach Anthony Becht to the open head coach position at West Virginia University. Becht is an alum of West Virginia, where he played college football and earned his way to several opportunities as a tight end in the NFL. A tweet by NFL insider Adam Schefter substantiated the rumors of Becht being a candidate for the open job in West Virginia.
An opportunity to become a head coach at West Virginia would be a part of a meteoric rise during Becht’s short coaching career. There is an apparent connection between Becht and the Mountaineers, including Becht’s recent addition to the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame. Since leaving West Virginia University, Becht has had a long NFL career as a tight end. He served as the tight ends coach for the San Diego Fleet during the 2019 Alliance of American Football season, and he has been the head coach of the Saint Louis Battlehawks during the 2023 XFL season and the 2024 UFL season.
In addition to getting an opportunity to complete a Zoom interview with West Virginia, Becht has also mentioned that several NFL teams have talked to him about coaching opportunities. For Becht, the opportunity to be a head coach at West Virginia or the NFL would result in a significant financial gain. It is unclear whether Becht was pursuing these job opportunities or is simply being pursued.
Regardless, the fact that Becht talks publicly about these opportunities shows that he is interested in taking the next step in his coaching career. Earlier this fall, Becht made headlines after announcing that the Battlehawks decided to release popular quarterback AJ McCarron. While coaching for the Battlehawks, Becht has helped build one of the most loyal fanbases in the history of spring football; it is hard to predict where Becht may land if he decides to leave the Battlehawks organization.
Becht has proven that he has what it takes to be a successful head coach in the UFL, winning approximately 70% of games played by Saint Louis in the XFL and the UFL. Generally, where there is smoke, there is fire in a world where players and coaches strive to earn greater opportunities. The next few months should be interesting for Saint Louis Battlehawks fans as the team makes adjustments to win their first championship in spring football.
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