Jeff Fisher spent 22 years as an NFL head coach. In that time, Fisher coached 339 games, winning 173. Unfortunately, he also lost 165 games, placing him in a tie with Dan Reeves for the most losses as a head coach in NFL history.
But, clearly, his struggles in the NFL didn’t deter Fisher from getting back involved in coaching football, as he later joined the USFL’s Michigan Panthers, where he’d operate as the team’s general manager and head coach.
Yet, Fisher didn’t have any more success in the USFL, leading the Panthers to a 2-8 record in 2022. This performance earned the Panthers the top overall pick in the 2023 USFL Draft, which has yet to occur.
But on Friday, news broke of Fisher stepping down from his post as the Panthers’ head coach. Former San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Nolan will be taking over immediately.
“We are honored to welcome Mike Nolan to the USFL family as the new head coach of the Michigan Panthers. When Coach Fisher informed us that he needed to step down, we immediately started the challenging process to find another experienced, charismatic leader to replace him while at the same time, create excitement for Michigan Panthers players and fans as we open our Detroit Hub to start USFL Year Two. Mike was the perfect fit for that role. He has coached for more than 30 years in the NFL. His extensive football knowledge and coaching experience will maximize his players’ talents and help them succeed at the professional level. We couldn’t have found a better fit for the Michigan Panthers and the USFL.”
Michigan Panthers EVP of football ops Daryl Johnston on Jeff Fisher’s resignation (H/T to Pro Football Talk)
Nolan most recently worked as the defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys but was let go at the conclusion of the 2021 football season. Now the longtime NFL coach will get another opportunity to show his worth, albeit with the USFL’s Michigan Panthers instead.