Mike Nolan, the former head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2005 to 2008, has spent the past two years coaching the Michigan Panthers. Recently, he was named the first UFL Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, the Panthers improved from a 4-7 record in the final season of the USFL to a 7-3 record in 2024. The team ranked third in total offense and defense, with the top rushing defense and second-best rushing offense in the league.
During the season, the Panthers had a five-game winning streak before concluding the regular season with a loss to Birmingham. They will now return to Alabama to face the Stallions for a chance to advance to the UFL Championship game. The winner of this match will go up against the victor of the San Antonio-St. Louis game.
After coaching the 49ers to a 17-36 record, Nolan took a break from coaching before joining the Panthers. His success with the team in the UFL has showcased his coaching abilities and brought the Panthers to new heights in the league.