Ricky Proehl, the former wide receiver of the St. Louis Rams and a key player in the famed “Greatest Show on Turf,” has been appointed the new head coach of the St. Louis Battlehawks. Proehl’s appointment comes after Anthony Becht transitioned to become the head coach of the Orlando Storm last week.
Proehl, who played for the Rams from 1998 to 2002, is particularly remembered for his pivotal touchdown catch from quarterback Kurt Warner during the 1999 NFC Championship Game, which propelled the Rams to their Super Bowl XXXIV victory against Tampa Bay.
Following his NFL career, Proehl ventured into coaching, including a recent role as the wide receivers coach for the Battlehawks in 2023. In his new position as head coach, Proehl expressed deep appreciation for the city of St. Louis, stating, “I have so many meaningful and special memories of St. Louis, not only because of the success on the field, but because of the people who made it feel like home.” He emphasized his commitment to player development and the aim to elevate the team, with aspirations of bringing another championship to what he calls “the best sports town in the country.”
The decision to appoint Proehl was announced by UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon, who highlighted Proehl’s extensive experience and connection to the city. “Ricky Proehl is the perfect fit to step into the shoes of head coach of the St. Louis Battlehawks,” Brandon noted. “He has not only achieved greatness on the gridiron as a player and a coach, but he is deeply rooted in the Gateway City where he was a Super Bowl champion with the St. Louis Rams and an assistant coach with the St. Louis Battlehawks.”
Proehl’s new leadership comes at a pivotal time for the Battlehawks, who have reached the UFL playoffs for the last two seasons, boasting winning records in both 2024 and 2025, although they fell short of advancing beyond the conference championship game. With Proehl at the helm, fans and players alike are hopeful for a promising future and potential championship success.