After their dismal last-place finish in 2024, the UFL Houston Roughnecks acknowledged significant changes needed to be made this year. Here’s how the Roughnecks plan to move ahead in 2025.
Editors note: This is part two of a two-part story on the Memphis Showboats and Houston Roughnecks rebuild plans for the 2025 season. Part one covered the Memphis Showboats. Editor’s correction from part one: The Showboats’ number one draft pick, former Kansas Quarterback Jason Bean is ineligible to play in the UFL this season due to his futures/ reserve contract with the Indianapolis Colts. However, the Showboats have acquired former San Antonio Brahmas QB, Quinten Dormady.
Last Place UFL Houston Roughnecks Shake Things Up for 2025
In July, the team announced they had parted ways with former general manager Lionel Vital. The Roughnecks soon announced that Will Lewis, the former San Antonio Brahmas Director of Player Personnel had been hired as their new GM.
Will Lewis Takes Over as Roughnecks GM
A native of Quakertown, PA, the 66-year-old Lewis brings plenty of NFL executive management experience to the position, including a two-year stint as VP of Football Operations for the Seattle Seahawks from 2010 to 2012. Following his tenure with the Seahawks, Lewis spent four years with the Kansas City Chiefs executive team as their Director of Pro Scouting.
Lewis is a former NFL athlete and a successful football executive. A kick return specialist, Lewis joined the Seahawks in 1980 as an undrafted free agent. He spent a year in Seattle before a brief stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. Following his career in the NFL, he spent a year with the USFL Houston Gamblers and spent time in the Canadian Football League from 1986 to 1989.
However, Lewis’ true talent emerged as a coach and football executive. After holding several high-level management positions with CFL teams, Lewis joined the XFL Houston Gamblers in 2020. His most recent executive management role was with the XFL Brahmas from 2022 to 2023, as the DPP for former Head Coach Hines Ward. Now, he has taken over the job of rebranding the Roughnecks and turning them into a competitive, sustainable team.
Roughnecks GM Cleans House Ahead Of UFL Season
When you end the inaugural season with a 1-9 record, you know the day of reckoning can’t be far behind. That day officially arrived in late July. Lewis made it clear that changes were needed for the Roughnecks. Broom in hand, Lewis abruptly cleaned house, cutting 16 UFL players in one sweep. He then turned around and signed their sixteen replacement counterparts.
One area where Lewis is making substantial changes is in revamping the Roughnecks’ offensive line. The O-line was a disaster last year, accounting for the league’s lowest PFF blocking grades. Although the Roughnecks are bringing back center Jack Kramer, tackle Cam Carter, and guard Avery Gennesy, expect to see plenty of new faces and young talent emerging on the line with them.
Roughnecks Coach Johnson Back For Another Year
Despite their awful start, Lewis is keeping Curtis (C.J.) Johnson as his head coach. Before joining the then-Houston Gamblers in 2023, Johnson had plenty of NFL coaching experience. A member of Sean Payton’s coaching staff from 2006-2011, Johnson was part of the 2009 Super Bowl-winning New Orleans Saints team. After taking on the job as head coach with Tulane University from 2012 to 2015, Johnson was wooed back to the NFL in 2016, as the Chicago Bears’ wide receivers coach. A year later, he rejoined the Saints in the same capacity.
After spending the next four years with the Saints, Johnson accepted the head coaching job in Houston. Now back for a second year, Johnson is looking to rebound from last year’s disastrous start.
UFL Trade Acquisition of New QB For Roughnecks
One area of needed improvement has already been addressed with the Roughnecks acquiring quarterback Jalen McClendon in a trade with the D.C. Defenders. For Houston, the acquisition of McClendon follows the recent release of former Roughnecks quarterback Reid Sinnett. The Roughnecks needed an offensive shake-up following last season’s dismal start. Sinnett took over from injured starter Jarrett Guarantano during his time with Houston. He completed 117 of 187 pass attempts for 1,136 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions.
Although the Roughnecks traded talented defensive back Kiondre Thomas to the D.C. Defenders, McClendon represents an upgrade at quarterback. At 6’4″ and 222 lbs, McClendon brings size and athleticism to the position. He was the Defender’s sixth overall pick in the 2024 UFL dispersal draft. Despite seeing only limited playing time as Ta’amu’s backup, McClendon previously played for the XFL Vegas Vipers.
During his tenure with the Vipers, he passed for 873 yards and five touchdowns while scrambling for another 137 yards on the ground. McClendon is expected to compete with D.C.’s returning quarterback Nolan Henderson for the starting assignment. Henderson was the Roughnecks’ number three quarterback behind Guarantano and Sinnett. He had limited playing time a year ago, but during his college career in Delaware, Henderson passed for 6,429 yards and 56 touchdowns.
UFL Roughnecks Have A New Stadium to Call Home
One of the other big changes ahead of the 2025 season is the team’s new stadium location. After playing at Rice Stadium this past season, the Roughnecks will now call the University of Houston TDECU Stadium, their home. TDECU is the home stadium for the Houston Cougars football team.
On Friday, March 28th, the Roughnecks host the UFL’s season opener against the St. Louis Battlehawks. The game will be the premiere episode of UFL FOX Friday, a new weekly show debuting to highlight key matchups. One of the 2024 playoff teams a year ago, the Battlehawks should be a solid test for the newly rebuilt Roughnecks. A victory in this game could set the tone for their 2025 season. One thing is certain, with a 1-9 record and unhappy fans, Lewis has his work cut out for him in Houston.
Main Photo: Joseph Buvid-Imagn Images
