The St. Louis Battlehawks are preparing for the 2026 United Football League season with a completely revamped coaching team, highlighted by former Rams wide receiver Ricky Proehl taking the helm as Head Coach. This change comes as Anthony Becht, the previous head coach, relocates to the Orlando Storm, bringing most of his coaching personnel with him. These adjustments mark a significant shift in the Battlehawks’ organizational structure as they look to build on prior success.
Such a transformation aims to balance local connections with proven experience, giving the team a fresh perspective while maintaining competitive aspirations. The St. Louis Battlehawks coaching staff now features seasoned professionals across offense, defense, and special teams roles, promising a dynamic approach under Proehl’s direction.
Ricky Proehl Takes the Helm as Head Coach
Ricky Proehl returns to St. Louis football in a new capacity, stepping up from his previous role as the team’s wide receivers coach in 2023. An iconic figure from St. Louis’ celebrated era known as The Greatest Show on Turf, Proehl’s roots in the city satisfy ownership’s desire for local ties in leadership. His six-season tenure as a wide receivers coach with the Carolina Panthers (2011-2016) laid the groundwork for his coaching career.
After a two-year break following his 2023 return to spring football coaching, Proehl focused on developing Proehlific Park, his sports performance and fitness center in North Carolina. Now, the 2026 season will mark his first opportunity as a head coach at any level, carrying the hopes of the Battlehawks franchise forward.
we’re all here for a reason, let’s get to work ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/E5CRy7irXd
— St. Louis Battlehawks (@BattlehawksUFL) February 21, 2026
Offensive Strategy Led by A.J. Smith
Proehl’s offensive unit will be directed by A.J. Smith, a respected coordinator renowned for his innovative approach. Smith joins the Battlehawks after successful stints as offensive coordinator with the Houston Roughnecks and San Antonio Brahmas in the XFL and UFL. His work with the Roughnecks in 2023 resulted in a 7-3 record, boasting one of the top offenses in the league.
In 2024, Smith’s offensive expertise helped the San Antonio Brahmas reach the championship game, despite numerous injuries. His collaboration with Brandon Silvers, the Battlehawks’ quarterback, resumes this season; the pair have a strong working history from The Spring League and the XFL. Smith favors a June Jones-style run-and-shoot offense, promising an aggressive aerial attack with plenty of motion for the wide receivers.
NEWS: @EASPORTS has partnered with @XFLBrahmas OC A.J. Smith to “improve the authenticity” of the run & shoot offense.@AustinJamesXFL is helping tweak and develop plays within the run & shoot playbook; which will include multiple plays from his #UFL/#XFL stints.
“GTFO”, the… pic.twitter.com/r7CP4yj06W
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) September 20, 2024
Corey Chamblin Brings Extensive Defensive Experience
The defensive side will be entrusted to Corey Chamblin, an experienced coach who has been active in spring football since 2022. Chamblin has coached defensive backs for the Birmingham Stallions (USFL) and San Antonio Brahmas (XFL), eventually stepping up as defensive coordinator in Birmingham during the 2024 season after John Chavis had to step away. His defense notably shut out A.J. Smith’s offense in the first-ever UFL Championship, demonstrating the strategic acumen he brings to St. Louis.
Chamblin has a diverse coaching background, including a head coaching role with the CFL’s Roughriders (2012-2015), and experience in Europe with Frankfurt Galaxy. His tenure spans multiple leagues such as USFL, XFL, and UFL, making him a valuable asset alongside Proehl.
Key Position Coaches Strengthen the Roster
John Estes returns as running backs coach, continuing his collaborative work with A.J. Smith. Estes brings versatility, having coached both offensive line and running backs, plus NFL playing experience as a center and a stint in the CFL. His recent coaching role was with San Jose State’s offensive line from 2024 to 2025.
Austin Proehl, Ricky Proehl’s son and an XFL standout, now serves as the wide receivers coach. The younger Proehl transitioned into coaching recently with the Wingate Bulldogs before joining his father’s staff. Austin was instrumental in St. Louis’ 2023 victories, catching the decisive touchdown in the team’s first win of that season.
OH MY GOSH. AUSTIN PROEHL. XFL LEGEND. THE BATTLEHAWKS HAVE THE LEAD. THIS IS MADNESS.
The @XFL2023 script writers went crazy with this one! AJ McCarron with a wild comeback in his first #XFL game. pic.twitter.com/2fctFuAmvfSee also2025 UFL College Draft Moved Back To SeptemberJames Larsen·June 25, 2025NewsColumnsUFL
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) February 19, 2023
Todd Washington is the new offensive line coach. After an eight-year NFL career across three teams, including a Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft selection in 1998, Washington quickly shifted to coaching. His background includes collegiate coaching at the University of San Diego, time in the original UFL, a significant role with the Baltimore Ravens under John Harbaugh, and experience with the Orlando Apollos of the AAF. Before joining the Battlehawks, he served as assistant offensive line coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Defensive Line and Linebacker Leadership
Jeff Zgonina leads the defensive line for St. Louis. A former Super Bowl champion with the Rams, Zgonina’s 17 NFL seasons included 458 tackles and 26 sacks. His coaching career spans multiple teams, including the Texans, Giants, Commanders, 49ers, and Cowboys, lending a wealth of experience to this defensive unit.
Will Reed is the linebackers coach, known for his impactful role as defensive coordinator for the San Antonio Brahmas. Under his guidance, the Brahmas’ defense excelled in 2024, culminating in a championship game appearance. Bryancing the league in tackles, players like Tavante Beckett earned honors for their defensive performance. Reed’s college-level experience includes assistant head coaching and defensive coordinator roles at Trinity Valley Community College and Southern Arkansas University.
How about the #UFL season first year DC Will Reed has had with the @XFLBrahmas?
His defense held St. Louis to just 15 points and just 239 yards in this playoff win. Additionally, the Battlehawks were 2/11 on third down, with both conversions on the final drive that resulted in… pic.twitter.com/PdXu56Rtsl
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) June 10, 2024
Special Teams Coached by Veteran Frank Gansz Jr.
Frank Gansz Jr. completes the coaching roster as the special teams coach, with a rich history in the UFL and NFL. Known as the mastermind behind Dante Hall’s remarkable kickoff return streak with the Kansas City Chiefs, Gansz’s influence is significant. His NFL and collegiate stops include prestigious programs like UCLA and SMU. Under his mentorship, UCLA kicker Kai Forbath earned the Lou Groza Award, highlighting Gansz’s ability to cultivate top talent.
What Lies Ahead for the 2026 Battlehawks?
The St. Louis Battlehawks face a critical juncture as Ricky Proehl takes over coaching duties. The team boasts an impressive 22-8 regular season record over the past three years but has yet to secure a playoff victory, standing at 0-2 in postseason appearances. Proehl inherits a talented roster and a knowledgeable staff, all striving to turn that playoff misfortune around and push the Battlehawks deeper into contention.
This fresh coaching lineup, blending seasoned veterans and local icons, signals an intense effort to elevate the team’s performance and re-energize its fan base. As the 2026 UFL season approaches, expectations are high, and the community remains watchful and hopeful for lasting success under this rejuvenated leadership.
St. Louis #Battlehawks Full #UFL Coaching Staff:
HC: Ricky Proehl
OC: A.J. Smith
DC/DB: Corey Chamblin
RB: John Estes
WR: Austin Proehl
OL/TE: Todd Washington
DL: Jeff Zgonina
LB: Will Reed
ST: Frank Gansz Jr.— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) February 23, 2026
we're all here for a reason, let's get to work ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/E5CRy7irXd
— St. Louis Battlehawks (@BattlehawksUFL) February 21, 2026
NEWS: @EASPORTS has partnered with @XFLBrahmas OC A.J. Smith to "improve the authenticity" of the run & shoot offense.@AustinJamesXFL is helping tweak and develop plays within the run & shoot playbook; which will include multiple plays from his #UFL/#XFL stints.
"GTFO", the… pic.twitter.com/r7CP4yj06W
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) September 20, 2024
OH MY GOSH. AUSTIN PROEHL. XFL LEGEND. THE BATTLEHAWKS HAVE THE LEAD. THIS IS MADNESS.
The @XFL2023 script writers went crazy with this one! AJ McCarron with a wild comeback in his first #XFL game. pic.twitter.com/2fctFuAmvf
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) February 19, 2023
How about the #UFL season first year DC Will Reed has had with the @XFLBrahmas?
His defense held St. Louis to just 15 points and just 239 yards in this playoff win. Additionally, the Battlehawks were 2/11 on third down, with both conversions on the final drive that resulted in… pic.twitter.com/PdXu56Rtsl
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) June 10, 2024
