Chris Redman: A homecoming fit for Kings - Ex-Card wants to lead new UFL team to title

By RUSS BROWN • Chris Redman Photo Provided By Kings 

After spending most of his life on the gridiron as either a player or coach, Louisville native and former UofL star quarterback Chris Redman, 48, thought he was finished with football. He was wrong. 

Instead, Redman has come out of his brief retirement from the sport to coach the Louisville Kings, Derby City’s new entry in the United Football League (UFL), which now has eight teams that will compete this spring. The Kings are one of three new franchises, along with the Columbus Aviators and the Orlando Storm. 

“I am incredibly grateful and excited for the opportunity to represent the Louisville Kings,” Redman said. “Louisville is home. I’ve been fortunate to have so many people support me throughout my career, and I know they’ll be behind the Kings and me as we work to bring a championship to this city. We’re going to make Louisville proud.” 

The opportunity came out of nowhere when former U of L and Buffalo Bills center Eric Wood, who is ambassador for the Kings, approached Redman about coaching the team. At the time, Redman was concentrating on various business ventures after coaching Christian Academy for six years, including three Class 3 state championships. 

“It had to be a perfect situation for me to take a coaching job, and this is by far the perfect situation for me,” Redman said. “It’s really rejuvenated me. Honestly, I’m having a ball. I think we’ve got a great team and we’d really like to make history by being the first expansion team to win the championship.” 

Mike Repole, UFL co-owner who leads league business operations through Impact Capital, calls the trio of new franchises an important step forward for the league, which was created following the merger of the XFL and United States Football League (USFL) and started play in March 2024. The Kings will play their home games in 15,300-seat Lynn Family Stadium, home of Louisville FC and Racing Louisville soccer teams. 

Thirty-one teams made bids to get a team, including Lexington. The three new teams replace the Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers, and San Antonio Brahmas, which played in the UFL’s first two seasons. The other five teams in the league are the Birmingham Stallions, Dallas Renegades, DC Defenders, Houston Gamblers, and St. Louis Battlehawks. All the teams practice in Dallas and fly to games. 

“Columbus, Louisville, and Orlando are true football cities with deep sports roots,” Repole said. “Energetic, fan-driven stadiums built to create an authentic game day experience and strengthen the foundation of this league for years to come. When you have 14,000 fans in an arena that fits 60,000, it looks empty. When you have 14,000 in a place that seats 15,000, it’s standing room only. Changing the optics is very important.” 

Repole joined UFL ownership last July with FOX, RedBird Capital Partners, ESPN, Danny Garcia, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. 

Much like the Brohms, Redman’s family name is synonymous with the city’s football history. His father, Bob Redman, coached for more than 40 years at Durrett, Waggener, Ballard, and Male, winning 317 games and three state championships (1993, 1998, 2000 at Male). 

After playing for his dad and earning National Player of the Year, Chris turned down numerous offers from other schools to stay home and play for the Cardinals. He appeared in 43 games, compiling program records for passing yards (12,541) and passing touchdowns (84) and winning the 1999 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. In 2014, he was inducted into UofL’s prestigious Ring of Honor. Following graduation, he was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft and played in the league for eight years with four different teams, including the Ravens’ Super Bowl 35 champions. 

Although this will be Redman’s first head coaching job on the college or professional level, he obviously brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new position. 

“Chris Redman represents the greatness of Louisville football,” Russ Brandon, UFL president and CEO, said in a statement. “He will combine his knowledge and expertise with his deep roots and pride in his hometown as he builds a new winning tradition in the Bluegrass State.” 

Repole describes the UFL’s style of play as “Arena Football outdoors,” meaning fast-paced with lots of scoring, and Redman says he will coach an aggressive style offense and defense. “I want to play a brand of football that people are going to enjoy,” he added.