The UFL will have some familiar names spearheading the head coaching efforts in its 2024 debut. One of them is the returning head coach of the D.C. Defenders.
With the XFL franchise helping comprise the new league, the Defenders will once again turn to Reggie Barlow as head coach. Here’s a closer look at the background of the coaching veteran.
Reggie Barlow Produced Stellar 2023 Season
Barlow had his name listed as a future head coach of the XFL before the league unveiled franchises.
However, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch in June 2022, he was originally anticipated to take control of the San Antonio franchise. The league eventually assigned him to the D.C. Defenders.
By taking the gig, he was leaving Virginia State University, where he coached from 2016 to 2021 before stepping down in March 2022.
Barlow’s XFL debut ended up becoming a stellar one. His first Defenders team rolled to a 9-1 campaign.
Barlow and the Defenders’ season began with a 22-18 win over the Seattle Sea Dragons. They went on to start the year 6-0, which included surpassing the 30-point mark in three of those wins. The Orlando Guardians ended up ruining their undefeated pursuits with a narrow 37-36 win over D.C.
Their season ended at the hands of the Arlington Renegades, which was a 35-26 Defenders loss in the XFL title game. Despite the loss, Barlow went on to win the league’s Coach of the Year honor.
Barlow’s Past Football Credentials Include Pro Bowl Nod
Before calling plays, Barlow was hauling in receptions and fielding kickoffs as a future fourth-round selection.
After starring as a wide receiver and kick returner for Alabama State, Barlow was taken 110th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 1996 NFL Draft. In two seasons, he became a league leader.
Barlow led the NFL in punt return yardage with 555 yards, culminating in his nod as a Pro Bowl alternate. He played two more seasons in Jacksonville before eventually making his way to the Oakland Raiders in 2001.
He ended up with one more NFL stop, as he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002. Barlow was on the Bucs team that snatched Super Bowl 37 against his former team, the Raiders, down in San Diego. Barlow’s last NFL season was in 2003.
Following his playing career, Barlow dove straight into coaching two years later. He began as quarterbacks coach for his alma mater in 2005 before eventually becoming head coach in 2007.
Barlow captured three Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) East Division titles. His Alabama State teams compiled a 49-42 overall record, including producing five 7-8 win seasons.
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He went on to lead Virginia State for five seasons. The Trojans went 34-16 overall which includes their 10-1 campaign of 2017. Barlow wasn’t able to coach the Trojans in 2020-21 as coronavirus wiped away the NCAA Division II season. His last Virginia State team went 3-6 overall in 2021.
Barlow and the Defenders will open the UFL season against the San Antonio Brahmas, who now have longtime NFL head coach Wade Phillips leading them.
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