Memphis’ XFL team, the Maniax, today announced its new head coach — Kippy Brown, former University of Memphis quarterback (1975-1977).
Memphians may remember Brown’s role in the Tigers’ victory at 6th ranked Auburn in 1975. After graduation, Brown coached running backs and receivers at his alma mater until 1980. He then coached for Louisville (1982), the University of Tennessee (1983-89, 1993-94), and joined the NFL as an assistant coach for the Jets (1990-92), Buccaneers (1995), Dolphins (1996-1999), and Green Bay Packers (2000).
According to Maniax general manager Steve Ehrhart, one of the best recommendations came from NFL future hall-of-famer Dan Marino, who was under Brown’s direction as Miami’s offensive coordinator from 1998-1999. In fact, sources close to the situation say Brown served as the go-between in the quarterback’s stormy relationship with former Dolphin coach Jimmy Johnson.
“It is unbelievable to see my career come full-circle — from when I was a player in Memphis 28 years ago, now having the honor of being the head coach of the Memphis team in this exciting new league with such a great future,” Brown said.
Since Memphis has territorial rights to the University of Memphis and Tennessee programs, Brown’s ties to both were seen as particularly important. Brown will officially join the team as soon as his current commitment to the Green Bay Packers, where he is the running backs coach, is complete.
(You can write Chris at chris@memphisflyer.com)
