The United Football League (UFL) has seen all sorts of twists and turns the last few months. One of the latest changes to the league involves a familiar face in Anthony Becht. The St. Louis Battlehawks Head Coach for the last three seasons now has a new home, taking over the Orlando Storm.
With Mike Repole and Impact Capital at the helm since July, the UFL has been aggressive in shaking things up. Repole’s main push has been to focus on regionalizing talent and personnel, to help boost attendance in local markets.
However, this is a rather strange shift to the UFL’s layout heading into 2026. Becht has made a name for himself with the Battlehawks, leading the franchise to three straight winning seasons – which included two playoff appearances.
Now, he’ll take his coaching talents to Florida. Anthony is no stranger to the state, as he’s currently got a home in the Tampa Bay-Orlando metro area. Becht has ties to the football scene down there as well, having been a tight end for the Buccaneers from 2005-2007.
Becht brings a winning background to the organization, boasting a 22-8 regular season record over the last three years in St. Louis. Anthony hasn’t had the same success in the playoffs, losing both XFL Conference Championship games in 2024 and 2025.
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That said, he’s done an excellent job cultivating a winning culture with the Battlehawks – while also developing talent for the NFL (i.e. Jacob Saylors, LaCale London). Orlando is getting one of spring football’s best – including his staff, which features the likes of former NFL talent in Marc Colombo, LaRoi Glover, Kyle Caskey, Donnie Abraham, Seneca Wallace, and more.
The Orlando Storm are entering their first season as a UFL franchise, as one of the relocated/expansion teams under Repole’s leadership.
Statement from Anthony Becht
“Today, I am filled with mixed emotions as I leave a city and a team that I love — the St. Louis Battlehawks — to take on the exciting challenge of building a new team — the Orlando Storm — in my home state, where I played for three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,” said Becht. “I look forward to the task that faces me and adding to the great tradition of football in the Sunshine State. I want to thank the Battlehawks faithful for all of their support. You will forever be in my heart.”
Statement From UFL CEO Russ Brandon
“As we head into a new era, we needed someone who had the expertise to build a new franchise like the Orlando Storm from the ground up, and what better person to do that than Anthony Becht…UFL co-owner Mike Repole and I have called on Anthony to take up this challenge to help ensure the long-term success of the league. We guarantee that his successor in St. Louis will carry on the winning tradition that he established on and off the field.”
What are your thoughts on Anthony Becht moving to the Orlando Storm? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
