On Saturday, the new XFL commenced with its first-ever pair of games. The D.C. Defenders ousted the Seattle Dragons in the initial matchup, with the Houston Roughnecks defeating the Los Angeles Wildcats in the evening contest.
During the latter matchup, the Roughnecks were able to put up 37 points and 315 total yards on the struggling Wildcats. Because of this performance, Los Angeles decided to part ways with defensive coordinator — and former New York Giants and New York Jets linebacker — Pepper Johnson.
This was Johnson’s first coaching job since he coached the linebackers for the Memphis Express of the now-ceased AAF in 2019.