DETROIT – After more than 40 years in coaching, the excitement of opening kick isn’t lost on Mike Nolan.
As the Michigan Panthers begin a new season Sunday, March 30, at the Memphis Showboats, the head coach enters his third UFL season enjoying the experience even more.
“I’m less tense than I used to be,” Nolan said Sunday night on Local 4’s Sports Final Edition. “We’ve got a great squad and I’m really excited for them. The excitement is not just about playing the game and hoping to win the game, but also watching the young players play, get better and show what they can do.”
Following training camp in Arlington, Texas, the Panthers trimmed the roster to 50 players -- 68% of the team returns from last season’s 7-3 run to the USFL Championship Game, including six who hail from or played collegiately in Michigan:
- Offensive lineman Brian Dooley (Eastern Michigan).
- Tight end Gunnar Oakes (Eastern Michigan).
- Quarterback Rocky Lombardi (Michigan State).
- Defensive end Kenny Willekes (Michigan State).
- Running back Nate McCrary (Saginaw Valley State).
- Defensive back Keni-H Lovely (Western Michigan).
“I think the talent level has improved,” Nolan said. “That’s just the attention given to our game by players who are leaving the NFL, trying to get up off the mat and get to the NFL. They come to us.”
Perhaps no greater example of the UFL’s pathway to the NFL exists than kicker Jake Bates, whose journey from the Panthers to the Lions in 2024 exemplifies the spirit of the team and league.
“Most of our players are getting up off the mat,” Nolan said. “They’ve been someplace, been knocked down and now they want to get back to the NFL. Jake was a guy who didn’t really have a shot at the NFL, and he was a guy who had never really kicked a field goal in college or high school, for that matter. When he came to us, he just had a very strong leg.
“It does represent a journey, an opportunity that we are all about.”
The Panthers hope their journey goes a step further, leading to a championship. More experience and talent across the board may go a long way towards achieving this goal.
“And maybe some better coaching decisions,” Nolan added, with a laugh. “We’ve improved the talent level on our team, and I think that will show. But I believe with every team in our league, the talent level is getting better. That’s what’s exciting about the league.”
The Panthers’ home opener is a conference championship rematch against the Birmingham Stallions on Friday, April 4 at 8 p.m., coinciding with Opening Day for the Tigers at Comerica Park.
Here’s our full Sports Final Edition interview with Nolan:
