History of Michigan Panthers (2022) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 4, 2025

The Michigan Panthers are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan, competing in the United Football League (UFL) as part of the USFL Conference. Owned and operated by Dwayne Johnson's Alpha Acquico and Fox Corporation, the team plays its home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit, sharing the venue with the NFL's Detroit Lions.

November 22, 2021: USFL Franchise Announcement

On November 22, 2021, the Michigan Panthers were officially announced as a USFL franchise on The Herd with Colin Cowherd.

January 27, 2022: Jeff Fisher Named Head Coach and General Manager

On January 27, 2022, Jeff Fisher was announced as the head coach and general manager of the Michigan Panthers on The Herd with Colin Cowherd.

May 1, 2022: First Ever Win

On May 1, 2022, the Michigan Panthers secured their first ever victory, defeating the Pittsburgh Maulers 24-0 at Protective Stadium.

2022: Steve Kazor Hired as General Manager

In October 2022, Steve Kazor was hired as the general manager for the Michigan Panthers.

February 3, 2023: Mike Nolan Replaces Jeff Fisher

On February 3, 2023, the USFL announced that Mike Nolan replaced Jeff Fisher as head coach of the Michigan Panthers, citing personal reasons.

September 2023: XFL and USFL Merger Talks

In September 2023, it was reported that the XFL and USFL were in advanced talks to merge the two leagues.

September 28, 2023: XFL and USFL Announce Intent to Merge

On September 28, 2023, the XFL and USFL publicly announced their intention to merge, pending regulatory approval, with more details to follow.

October 2023: XFL Files Trademark for United Football League

In October 2023, the XFL filed a trademark application for the name "United Football League".

November 30, 2023: Merger Receives Regulatory Approval

On November 30, 2023, Garcia announced that the XFL and USFL received regulatory approval for their merger and were finalizing plans for a combined season to begin on March 30, 2024.

2023: Rights to first overall pick in the 2023 USFL draft

In 2023, Michigan Panthers and Pittsburgh Maulers winner assumed the rights to the first overall pick in the 2023 USFL draft.

2023: Panthers vs Generals Record

In 2023, the Michigan Panthers had a 1-3 record against the New Jersey Generals. After the 2023 season the rivalry was not renewed.

2023: Year 2023

Information relevant to the Michigan Panthers during the year 2023.

December 31, 2023: XFL and USFL Merger Official

On December 31, 2023, the merger between the XFL and USFL was officially completed.

March 30, 2024: Combined season to begin

On March 30, 2024, the combined XFL and USFL season is set to begin.

2024: Rivalry End Due to Merger

In 2024, The Michigan Panthers' rivalry with the New Jersey Generals ended due to the XFL-USFL merger which resulted in the folding of the New Jersey Generals.