Steelers Prayers Pouring In As Coach Steps Away

As of March 24, Whisenhunt has stepped away from the Showboats for personal reasons days before their season opener. The reasons for the decision are not publicly known. 

Jim Turner will be the team's interim coach in Whisenhunt's absence. There was much excitement about Whisenhunt's takeover and his potential to turn the team around after a 2-8 campaign in 2024. 

“The impact that Ken has made on the culture of the Memphis Showboats in his brief time as head coach has been very impressive and we were excited to see the team perform in Week 1,” UFL president and CEO Russ Brandon and UFL executive V.P. of football operations Daryl Johnston said in a statement.

“We take pride in the UFL being a family first league and we respect Ken’s decision to take a leave of absence for personal reasons at this time. We are fortunate to have Jim Turner in place to fill in as interim head coach and we are excited for his opportunity to lead the Showboats into the opening week of Season 2. If and when Ken Whisenhunt is ready to return to the UFL family, we will welcome him with open arms.”

There is obviously concern for Whisenhunt in the UFL family and the NFL family, too, as thoughts and prayers are pouring for the 63-year-old football lifer.

The hope for the Showboats is that Turner will be able to help carry the team's offseason momentum into the regular seasons despite Whisenhunt's absence. 

Whisenhunt's first major NFL job with the Steelers saw him help the team to a victory in Super Bowl XL. He took over as the Arizona Cardinals' head coach in 2007 and guided them to an appearance in Super Bowl XLIII where he fell to his former team. 

Whisenhunt has also held roles with the Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Chargers before moving to the college ranks in positions with Penn State and Alabama.