Reggie Barlow's XFL Run Should Boost HBCU Coaching Ranks, Open Eyes of NFL

Coach Reggie Barlow's historic run in the XFL should boost HBCU coaches and open the eyes of the NFL.

During our pregame interview on Thursday, DC Defenders' head coach Reggie Barlow mentioned to HBCU Legends that the team has an "HBCU flavor."   Barlow's impressive tenure with the XFL, featuring offensive coordinator Fred Kiass (who has worked with numerous HBCU football teams such as Alabama St., Alcorn St., Tenn. St., Hampton, Alabama A&M, Southern, and Morgan St.), wide receiver Chris Blair (from Alcorn St.), and other assistant coaches, has brought great pride to fans of HBCU football.  Barlow himself has also contributed to this success, having worked with Alabama State and Virginia State.

The DC Defenders (10-2) were a heavy 6.5-point favorite in the 2023 XFL Championship game.  The coaching staff was confident, as well as the players. On the opposing side of the field was Bob Stoops, a former NCAA National Championship-winning head coach, who had devised a strategy for his team.

May 12, 2023; DC Defenders head coach Reggie Barlow entering the Alamodome for the XFL hosted a media day before the championship game at the Alamodome on May 12th, 2023 in San Antonio, TX.  Credit: Cydney Tanner

"Arlington took it to us," Barlow said in his postgame press conference.  "They played well.  They play faster than us.  They had a plan.  The offensive coordinator did a really good job keeping us off balance. We were able to not have as many possessions that we liked.  Of course, we had a few turnovers. And then a personal foul after we got the touchdown.  There were all things that were self-inflicted.  But Arlington is a good team."

Although Barlow did not win the title, he has provided the National Football League and Power 5 decision-makers with the opportunity to evaluate the achievements of an exceptional football coach who built an outstanding team and coaching staff from scratch.

"I'm proud of our team and really proud of our guys.  They've been fun to coach, proud of our coaches, we've had a good season.  I'm just proud of everybody's support staff.  There are a lot of people that allowed us to be where we are.  And we're just grateful for them, really grateful for the owners of the XFL for giving us this platform for all the teams, all the coaches, and all players," Barlow noted.

May 12, 2023; DC Defenders head coach Reggie Barlow at the XFL hosted a media day press conference before the championship game at the Alamodome on May 12th, 2023 in San Antonio, TX. Credit:© Eric Espada/XFL

Numerous XFL players are hoping for a second, and in some cases, third or fourth opportunity to make a good enough impression for an NFL workout invitation.  Currently, tryouts for XFL players have been scheduled for 60 NFL.   Many NFL teams already have complete coaching staff, but some coaches will likely move into assistant positions in the NFL or collegiate ranks.

What's next for Reggie Barlow?  "I want to continue to get better as a coach. With us playing like this, there are opportunities to visit colleges, and NFL teams are during the offseason, so we can continue to learn...and, of course, do some fishing as well."

Despite not having the title, Coach Barlow's team had a successful season, demonstrating that his HBCU background is sufficient for him to become a coach in the NFL or college football again.