With training camp set to open in Arlington, Texas at the end of the month, Memphis Showboats head coach Ken Whisenhunt is set to hit the ground running. Announcing his new coaching staff, Whisenhunt recruited several well respected veteran coaching talents to join him in Memphis. They will be joining returning Showboats staff members offensive line coach Jim Turner and tight ends coach T.J. Vernieri. In addition to overseeing the tight ends, Vernieri will now be responsible for the wide receivers group as well.

Offensive Coaching Staff:

Joining Turner and Vernieri on the offensive staff will be running backs coach Luke Ferdinand and Lee Morris who will assume responsibility for offensive quality control. A former college assistant coach from Black Hills State University, Ferdinand worked with the running backs and tight ends. During his time with the Yellow Jackets, two of his players were named All-Conference. Playing college football in Nebraska, Ferdinand doubled as an offensive line player and as the team’s long snapper. His experience in a wide variety of positions should bring an added element of offensive knowledge to the position.

Morris, an Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver was a semi-finalist for the 2018 Burlsworth Trophy. While Morris is new to the UFL as a coach, he’s not new to spring football as a player. The former 2022-2023 USFL New Orleans Breaker also played for the UFL Showboats a year ago.

Defensive Coaching Staff:

One of the biggest changes in the Showboats coaching staff is the hiring of new Defensive Coordintor, Jarren Horton. The former Pittsburgh Maulers DC represents a major upgrade for the Showboats. Horton was voted the USFL Assistant Coach Of The Year in 2023 when the Maulers defense was number one in the USFL. One of the stars of Hortons defense in Pittsburgh is Birmingham Stallions DL Kyahva Tezino. What made Horton’s tenure with the Maulers so impressive was the complete turnaround he accomplished. When Horton took over the Maulers defense, they were the worst in the league.

In an interesting coincidence, the 2023 Maulers Championship winning offense was led by Showboats quarterback Troy Williams. Having Horton as defensive coordinator could also benefit Williams’ development since the Showboats offense succumbed to more sacks than any other team in the UFL last year.

Joining Horton are first year assistant coaches Brian Baker, Marc Hull, and Steve Meyer. As the defensive line coach, Baker brings a wealth of NFL coaching experience. Working as an NFL defensive coach, Baker led the defense for nine NFL teams. During his successful tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, Baker coached Pro-Bowl players DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer and Jay Ratliff.

Hull will assume the dual roles of special teams and linebackers coach. It’s a familiar assignment for him. Sharing the same responsibility for the Maulers during their 2023 Championsip Season, Hull will reunite with Horton.

Meyer, another staff member from the Maulers 2023 winning season, will be responsible for defensive quality control. Prior to joining Horton, Meyer was with the Pittsburgh Steelers for five years. During his time in the NFL, he worked as a defensive coaching assistant and scouting intern.

Wisely blending Showboats veteran coaching talent with newcomers who can provide a fresh perspective, Whisenhunt recruited a quality offensive team. in addition he assembled a terrific defensive team that worked well together well in the past. If they can duplicate the same level of success and winning chemistry in Memphis that they enjoyed in Pittsburgh, Showboats fans are in for a delightful change.

author avatar
Sue Levine
Sue Levine spent the past five years creating and producing a successful weekly health and wellness podcast starring a wonderful iconic woman as the program host. As part of Sue's responsibilities, she scripted every episode and discovered a genuine love of writing. When the podcast ended late last year, she shifted the focus of her writing to covering pro sports. A passionate fan of NFL and UFL football as well as fantasy, she is delighted to be able to share her articles with other football fans.

1 Comment

  • Posted February 8, 2025 11:38 am 0Likes
    by 4th&long

    Wow – was hoping Jarren Horton would land somewhere in the UFL. This could be a major upgrade for Showboats D which was lacking last year.
    With the addition of EJ Perry and Whisenhunt as HC – could Memphis be a potential playoff team?

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