How the UFL Memphis Showboats Will Rebound In 2025

Despite the UFL’s successful inaugural season, the Roughnecks and Showboats had the league’s worst records. How will these teams rebound this season?

How the UFL Memphis Showboats Will Rebound In 2025

On March 28, 2025, the UFL returns to a passionate fan base with TV ratings exceeding expectations and a strong social media presence. However, two of the teams, the (2-8) Memphis Showboats and the (1-9) Houston Roughnecks underperformed. Both teams struggled to attract fans and had the league’s lowest in-person attendance ratings. How are these teams planning to become more competitive while increasing attendance this season?

Editors note:  This is part one of a two-part story on how the Memphis Showboats and the Houston Roughnecks have made significant changes ahead of the 2025 season.  Part one covers the Memphis Showboats while part two will cover the Houston Roughnecks.  

A Change At the Top for The UFL Showboats 

The first indication that the team planned significant changes this season came in August of 2024 when the Showboats parted ways with former general manager Dennis Polian and head coach John DeFilippo. On September 23, 2024, the UFL introduced Jim Monos as the Showboats’ new GM and former NFL coach Ken Whisenhunt as their new head coach.  

Whisenhunt brings an extensive NFL coaching background as the former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 2007 to 2012. Under his leadership, the team won back-to-back NFC West division titles in 2008-2009 and the NFC Championship title. The Cardinals’ 32-25 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles led to the team’s first Super Bowl appearance in 2009.  

However, that game was Whisenhunt’s second Super Bowl appearance. Before joining the Cardinals, Whisenhunt was with the Pittsburgh Steelers for six seasons.  He began his tenure with the Steelers in 2001 as their tight ends coach. Promoted two years later to offensive coordinator, he earned a 2006 Super Bowl Championship ring when the Steelers won Super Bowl XL.  In addition to acting as the offensive coordinator with the San Diego/ Los Angeles Chargers, Whisenhunt served as head coach of the Tennessee Titans from 2014-2015.

More recently, Whisenhunt was Special Assistant to Head Coach Nick Saban at the University of Alabama during the 2023 season.  The announcement of Whisenhunt as the Showboats’ new head coach was greeted with a great deal of excitement. Detail-oriented and a keen judge of talent, Whisenhunt knows how to motivate young talent and run an offense. 

Monos is also no stranger to the NFL.  The former Director of Player Personnel for the Buffalo Bills from 2013-2017, Monos drafted renowned players Sammy Watkins, Matt Milano, Dion Dawkins, and Tre’Davious White. In addition, Monos is a familiar name to spring football fans. He was previously the Senior Director of Football Operations for the XFL during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. 

A Promising Roster Of New Talent for The Showboats

One area where the Showboats struggled last year was at the quarterback position. Their starting quarterback Case Cookus was sacked more than any other quarterback in the league despite appearing in only eight games. While those 20 sacks were not entirely Cookus’ fault, his lack of field awareness and mobility made him vulnerable and led to injuries. Backup quarterbacks, Troy Williams and Josh Love didn’t fare much better with too many interceptions and incomplete passes. The lack of stability and production at the position cost the team games they should have won.        

However, Memphis fans should see a promising change this season. When the Showboats emerged victorious in their final game of the season, the team earned a terrific incentive prize. Armed with the first draft selection in every round, the Showboats got the pick of all the top draft prospects. By selecting University of Kansas quarterback Jason Bean as the number one overall pick, the Showboats addressed their biggest weakness.

As a collegiate athlete, Bean passed for 5,969 yards on 414 completions out of 698 attempts with 55 touchdowns. After throwing six touchdowns on 449 yards in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, he claims the distinction of recording the most passing touchdowns for a Big 12 player in a post-season game. Bean’s dual-threat capability makes him even more attractive as a starter for the Showboats. He is remarkably agile and lightning-fast, recording a top speed of 22.4 miles per hour.  In college, Bean rushed for 1,342 yards off 251 attempts with 14 touchdowns.  Currently signed to a future /reserves contract with the Indianapolis Colts, Bean spent the 2024 season on their practice squad. However, there is no better way to establish himself as an NFL starting quarterback than achieving success in the UFL.  

The UFL Showboats Make Positive Changes For 2025  

Last year, the Showboats were brand new to the Memphis market, and the front office lacked sufficient time to properly market the team.  This season, the front office is stepping up efforts to promote the team, organize more fan-friendly events, and sell tickets. With new leadership, exciting talented players, and the firm backing of the UFL, fans can look forward to a promising second season in Tennessee.