San Antonio Brahmas head coach Wade Phillips spoke with San Antonio Sports Star 94.1 on January 3, announcing the team’s February 27 training camp start date, plans for local practices in San Antonio, and the signing of former Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond. The interview provided key updates for the 2025 UFL season preparations.
Training Camp Start Date
Phillips set the official start of the 2025 campaign:
“Well, the players report 27th of February. So we’ll start practicing right after that.”
The late February start gives the team a full month to prepare for their March 29 season opener at Arlington.
San Antonio Practice Plans
The team plans to connect with local fans before the home opener:
“That’s correct. Yes. I think we’re going to come practice a couple of days in San Antonio, which we wanted to do. I asked to do where fans can come watch our team practice.”
This marks the first time the Brahmas will hold open practices in San Antonio, giving fans early access to the 2025 squad. Nothing official from the league or if other teams will do that. I assume this might be more of a wish than actually got approval. It would be great if it is.
Kellen Mond Signing
Phillips confirmed a major addition at quarterback:
“I think overall, we have 65 for Training Camp, but we have about 58 now. But one of them is, I think, familiar with San Antonio, certainly Texas A&M is Kelen Mond, our quarterback, so we’re excited about having him.”
The former Texas A&M standout returns to Texas, bringing NFL experience from his time with the Vikings, Browns, Colts and Saints. No word on the status of last years starting QB Chase Garbers and if he will return in 2025.
Player Motivations
Phillips offered insight into why players choose the UFL:
“Not all of them, everybody thinks they all want to go to the NFL, which they probably do, but some of them just want to keep playing football. They enjoy football. They’ve played well throughout their lives, and they don’t want to quit yet. We’re glad to have those guys back, too.”
Coach’s Schedule Benefits
The spring season creates unique opportunities:
“No, we’ll have a vacation after the season. It’s a good program for me. I got to coach football for half a year and then get to watch football the other half with my son.”
The spring schedule allows Phillips to stay connected to both leagues – leading the Brahmas while following his son Wes’s NFL coaching career with the Vikings.
Team Seating Protocol on Shared Flights
Phillips shared the protocol for team seating arrangements during shared flights:
“We’re always in the back of the plane. We’re always in the back of the bus, so we know that going in. It’s a home team. The home team gets the front part of the plane.”
Surprised there have never been any reported fights on these plane or buss trips.
The interview centered on three key developments for the Brahmas’ 2025 season: the February 27 training camp start, plans for practices in San Antonio, and the addition of Kellen Mond at quarterback. Phillips also provided unique insights into the UFL’s operations, including shared team travel and player motivations for joining the league.
Fans can access the full interview through San Antonio Sports Star 94.1’s Audio Vault. The Brahmas begin their season March 29 at Arlington, with their home opener set for April 27 against Houston at the Alamodome.
