Phillips, Ward among 8 XFL head coaches for 2023 return

The XFL snagged some high-profile coaching names for its 2023 return.

Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips and ex-Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward are among eight XFL head coaches, the league announced Wednesday.

Former Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, former Virginia State coach Reggie Barlow, ex-NFL tight end Anthony Becht, former New Orleans Saints head coach Jim Haslett, and ex-NFL cornerbacks Terrell Buckley and Rod Woodson round out the XFL's coaching group.

Stoops is the only returning coach after guiding the Dallas Renegades for the league's ill-fated comeback season in 2020.

"This is yet another huge moment for the XFL," said league co-owner Dwayne Johnson. "I have experienced firsthand the positive influence and impact that coaches can have on a player's life, and with our group of smart, accomplished, and motivating head coaches, I expect nothing less.

"Not only will these coaches be mentors to our players, but they will be a big part of the cities in which we will operate."

The XFL didn't announce which teams the coaches will lead. The 2020 lineup of clubs included the Renegades, St. Louis Battlehawks, Tampa Bay Vipers, New York Guardians, Seattle Dragons, Los Angeles Wildcats, D.C. Defenders, and Houston Roughnecks.

COVID-19 forced the XFL to end its first campaign since 2001 after completing half of its scheduled 10-week season. The league filed for bankruptcy, and Johnson, Dany Garcia, and RedBird Capital purchased it for $15 million later in 2020.

The XFL is set to kickoff in February 2023.