On February 21st, the UFL announced the coaching staffs of all 8 teams for the 2024 season. For St. Louis the Battlehawks bring in some familiar faces however several new members will be going 2nd year Head Coach Anthony Becht’s staff.
Offensive Coordinator: Bruce Gradkowski
Gradkowski returns to the Battlehawks for his 2nd season with the team. A veteran NFL Quarterback Gradkowski has been in the coaching ranks since 2017, and spent the off-season helping out at Toledo, and coaching flag football. Gradkowski oversaw an Offense that produced Seven NFL contracts along with A.J. McCarron setting the XFL’s single season Passing Touchdown Record.
Defensive Coordinator: Donnie Abraham
The Battlehawks continue to produce continuity in the coaching ranks with Donnie Abraham returning for his 2nd season with the team. Abraham has coached in all levels of Football from High School to Power 5, to even Spring Football during his time with the Orlando Apollos. Abraham’s defense is recharged for 2024 with additions of All-XFL players Pita Taumopenu, and Austin Faoliu, however will be without key pieces from 2023 like LaCale London and Lukas Denis.
Running Backs/Special Teams Coordinator: Kyle Caskey
Caskey replaces Art Valero as St. Louis’ Running Backs coach while also being tasked as the Special Teams Coordinator. Caskey came into coaching in 2004 at the collegiate level, and then breaking into the NFL with Cincinnati Bengals in 2010. Caskey has spent over Ten seasons in the NFL, and will be tasked as a coordinator for the first time in his career.
Defensive Backs: Martin Bayless
Bayless spent the past Two seasons with the Philadelphia Stars of the USFL, overseeing a position group that saw Channing Stribling earn All-USFL honors in 2022. Bayless is no stranger to Alt-Football having spent time in NFL Europe, the original UFL, the AAF, Your Call-Football, and the XFL 2020. In addition to his coaching resume Bayless played in the NFL for 13 seasons as well.
Linebackers: Chris Claiborne
A mid-season hire in 2023, Claiborne replace Dave Steckel (former Missouri State HC), and oversaw a group that earned Two NFL opportunities in 2023. An established NFL player, Clairborne’s 2024 room sees a lot of familiar faces along with fresh blood like 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Pita Taumopenu, Johnny Buchanan, and Callahan O’Reilly.
Defensive Line: La’Roi Glover
A Six-Time Pro Bowler, Glover returns to the Battlehawks for a second season after aiding in the development of LaCale London who would find significant playing time with the Atlanta Falcons. Glover goes into his 6th season coaching and will be aided by the return of Kevin Atkins and the signing of All-XFL Defensive Lineman Austin Faoliu.
Wide Receivers: Phil McGeoghan
A veteran of the NFL and NFL Europe McGeoghan replaces Ricky Proehl as the Battlehawks Wide Receivers Coach. McGeoghan comes to the UFL after a spending 2007 to 2022 with the NFL and major college programs. Most recently he was the Wide Receivers coach at Colorado before being released with most of the staff upon the hiring of Deion Sanders.
Offensive Line: Gino Gradkowski
A Super Bowl champion and NFL veteran Gradkowski replaces Pat Perles for the 2024 season and is given the opportunity to coach with his brother who is the Offensive Coordinator for St. Louis. Since 2022 Gino has been an Offensive Line Coach at Division III Rowan University which was his first coaching job after transitioning from his playing career.
With perfect combination of fresh perspectives and experience from 2023 season the Battlehawks are in a great position to improve on their 7-3 record and clinch their first playoff berth in franchise history. With a retooled roster, a “MVP” at Quarterback, and a Head Coach who understands the passion of the City of St. Louis, the Battlehawks are primed to be the staple of the UFL for the 2024 season.
1 Comment
by Sharon George
I am disappointed in not seeing former NFL star Ricky Proehl along with his son return to the Battlehawks. I felt that the WR group played well during the 2023 season and I credit Coach Proehl with a lot of that. Go Battlehawks!