Today, Mike Nolan was informed by the United Football League (UFL) that he will not be returning in 2026. Nolan has served as the Michigan Panthers Head Coach the last three seasons.
Official Statement from former Michigan Panthers Head Coach Mike Nolan on his departure from the United Football League.
He will not be returning to the #UFL in 2026. pic.twitter.com/Ot8NlGEDhW
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) November 28, 2025
In 2023, Mike came on board with the USFL, as Jeff Fisher stepped away from the Panthers. Nolan brought veteran NFL coaching experience to the table, alongside an excellent set of staff members who were amongst the best in the league.
Since then, the Michigan Panthers have had three straight playoff appearances in the UFL and USFL. In 2024, Mike was named UFL Coach of the Year.
The #UFL has announced @USFLPanthers Mike Nolan as the Coach Of The Year in 2024.
Nolan’s Panthers went 7-3 this season despite four different quarterbacks in action.
The Panthers’ seven wins in 2024 surpassed their total from the ’22-23 seasons combined. Well deserved award. pic.twitter.com/58QBONGuAe
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) June 6, 2024
Nolan’s Panthers were USFL Conference Champions this past season, taking down the Birmingham Stallions for the first time in modern history. Their QB, Bryce Perkins, won UFL MVP honors in 2025.
With the Michigan Panthers relocating to a new market, paired with the UFL’s major changes with Mike Repole and Impact Capital at the helm – the league has decided to part ways with Nolan.
Mike Nolan’s presence within spring football will certainly be missed. Players and staff had nothing but respect for his leadership, and that strong mentality was reflected throughout the entire organization.
The United Football League has no statement on Nolan’s departure at this time.
See also
Statement From Coach Mike Nolan
To All Players, Coaches, Staff, Executives, and Fans of the UFL,
I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has been part of my journey with the Michigan Panthers and the United Football League over these past three years. I have been informed that I will not be returning as head coach as the league moves forward in a new direction under new ownership. As it was put to me, they are “restructuring and starting fresh,” and I respect their right to build the model they believe will shape the league’s future.
Coaching in the UFL has been one of the greatest joys of my 40-plus years in this game. The past three seasons stand out as the most fun I’ve had coaching football and that is because of you. The players who showed up every day with purpose and passion. The coaches and staff whose loyalty, effort, and professionalism never wavered. The executives who supported our mission. And the fans who embraced our team and this league with energy and pride.
During this transition, I’ve seen people I respect deeply, good people, dedicated people also have their roles affected. I want to acknowledge them as well. Their commitment to this league and to our players has been invaluable, and they deserve recognition for their contributions.
To everyone associated with the UFL, I wish you nothing but continued success and growth moving forward. This league has tremendous promise, and it will continue to thrive if it remembers what has always made football special: football is a people business. Our success on the field, in the locker room, and in the community has always come from recognizing the value of people.
I am grateful for every memory, every challenge, and every victory we shared. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it. I’ll be rooting for the UFL and for all of you in whatever comes next.
With appreciation and respect,
Mike Nolan
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