UFL Makes Bold Move To Part Ways With Daryl Johnston
In a move that feels both shocking and completely predictable, the UFL has decided to part ways with Daryl Johnston. The league announced that the contract for its Executive Vice President of Football Operations will not be renewed for the 2026 season.
Statement From Both UFL and Johnston
In a statement that was corporate-speak at its finest, the UFL said the following in the tweet below
For anyone who’s been paying attention, the writing has been on the wall for months. Johnston, once the face and voice of spring football, has been conspicuously absent from recent league announcements and media appearances.
What Happened to Johnston’s UFL Role?
Let’s be real, Daryl Johnston has been a cornerstone of this whole spring football experiment for years. His journey reads like a tour of failed and merged leagues. He started as the General Manager for the San Antonio Commanders in the ill-fated Alliance of American Football (AAF) back in 2019. When that league imploded, he jumped over to the XFL in 2020 as the Director of Player Personnel for the Dallas Renegades, working under Bob Stoops.
Then, when FOX decided to revive the USFL, Johnston was a natural fit. He was already a FOX employee, and his spring football resume was, shall we say, extensive. He came aboard as the Executive VP of Football Operations, eventually taking over as President. Under his leadership, the USFL expanded from a single hub to four, a move that gave the league a sense of legitimacy it desperately needed.
But then came the merger with the XFL, creating the UFL we know today. Johnston kept a high-ranking role, but it became clear that the power dynamics were shifting. Once Mike Repole took over business operations in July, Johnston’s influence seemed to wane. His name vanished from press releases, and his once-frequent media spots dried up.
A Spring Football Pioneer Gets the Boot
It’s hard to overstate the impact Johnston has had on this scene. He’s been one of the few constants in a sea of variables. Whether you agreed with all his decisions or not, his dedication was undeniable. He was a true believer in the potential of spring football, tirelessly advocating for its place in the sports landscape. He talked about partnerships with the NFL and truly seemed to believe this time, this league, would be the one to finally stick.
His departure signals a major shift in the UFL’s front office. With Johnston out, the league is moving further away from its USFL roots and seemingly consolidating power under the former XFL leadership and new business figures. Heck they even recently cut teams from the league for this upcoming year. Is this a good thing? Only time will tell. But it certainly feels like the end of an era. The guy who helped build the ship is being told to walk the plank.
What’s Next for the UFL?
So, where does the UFL go from here? Removing Johnston might streamline decision-making, but it also removes a wealth of experience and a familiar face that lent credibility to the operation. Russ Brandon has a full plate now, taking on football operations on top of his CEO duties.
The UFL needs to figure out its identity, and fast. Johnston’s departure leaves a vacuum that the league must fill not just with a new title, but with a clear vision. For now, it’s another dramatic offseason twist for a league that can’t seem to avoid them. Whether you’re surprised by this news or not, one thing is certain: spring football will be a little less “Moose” going forward.
