As the United States Football League gears up for the start of its second-ever season, its franchise in New Orleans has a new member. New Orleans Breakers new head coach John DeFilippo has hired former New York Giants scout Ryan Jones as the new general manager of the team. Jones joins seven others as the eight GMs of the USFL’s eight franchises. The USFL capped up its inaugural season on July 3 as the Birmingham Stallions became the league’s first champions, defeating the Philadelphia Stars 33-30.
Ryan Jones: A Man of the Game
Football has been a part of most of Ryan Jones’ adult life. In college, Jones played for the University of New Hampshire and was a captain on the team as well as an all-conference selection. A master on defense, Jones recorded 15 interceptions throughout his collegiate career. Jones worked his way through the college coaching system. He started as a graduate assistant at the University of Minnesota and soon after served as the defensive back coach for his alma Mater, the University of New Hampshire. Jones was also on staff at the College for the Holy Cross as the head strength and conditioning coach and recruiting coordinator.
Jones had an excellent career in the NFL as an area and regional scout with the New York Giants. He spent 15 years with the Giants and was a part of both the Giants Super Bowl victories in 2008 and 2012. Breakers head coach John DeFilippo has known his new GM for many years. The pair were a part of the Giants organization together, Jones as a scout and DeFilippo as the Giants quality control assistant coach. “Ryan Jones is a fantastic talent evaluator.” said DeFilippo. “And an even better person.”
DeFilippo and Jones are both committed to turning the New Orleans Breakers into a championship team within the USFL. In the league’s inaugural season, the Breakers finished with a record of 6-4 and were knocked out of the playoffs by the eventual champions, the Birmingham Stallions.
Bringing Back the USFL
If you think the name USFL sounds familiar, you’d be right. The first time the USFL was heard was in its inaugural season in 1983. The league played through 1986 and was eventually dissolved in 1990. While there is no real connection between the 1983 USFL and the newest edition, the two entities engaged in legal battles over the right to use the name. The lawsuit was eventually withdrawn in August 2022.
The league’s first game was played in Birmingham, Alabama on April 16, 2022. With an ironic twist, it was the eventual inaugural champions that won the first USFL game. The Birmingham Stallions defeated the New Jersey Generals 28-24 in a thrilling contest. The league currently consists of eight teams across the country. From Houston to New Jersey, the USFL has produced an exciting and unique brand of football.
It’s Not Like Other Leagues
One thing that separates the USFL from other leagues is its rule changes. Some different rules are minimal, such as a 35 second play clock or the rule allowing two forward passes behind the line of scrimmage. But one rule that sets the USFL apart from competition is its overtime structure. Something that NFL fans have complained about for years. If a USFL game goes to overtime, the teams will engage in a two-point shootout. Each team gets three chances, lining up at the two-yard line and attempting a two-point conversion. Should the teams still be tied after their three chances, the teams move to sudden death. No chance of a tie.
The USFL has also introduced a three-point conversion. This is not unlike a traditional two-point conversion play. However,the team runs the play from the 10-yard line rather than the two. USFL teams also have a unique opportunity to retain possession after a scoring drive. Teams can elect to line up on their own 33-yard line and run one play in a fourth down situation. The team must get 12 yards for a first down, and if they do, they keep possession. An incredibly interesting wrinkle in America’s favorite game.
The USFL will kick off their second season on April 15, 2023.
