Showboats’ New HC Jim Turner Discusses UFL Opportunity
It’s been an eventful week for the Memphis Showboats. Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt stepped down, and Offensive Line Coach Jim Turner has stepped in as the interim head coach.
With the timing of these changes coming just days before Memphis begins their UFL season, the situation is far from ideal.
Yesterday, Jim Turner spoke to the media for the first time about the transition. He expressed that while the situation is challenging, he’s excited for what lies ahead with Memphis:
BREAKING: HC Ken Whisenhunt is stepping away from the @USFLShowboats, per multiple sources.
In another bizarre twist in the #UFL, O-Line Coach Jim Turner will take over as interim HC.
Brutal blow for Memphis with kickoff just six days away. Ken was the team's HC & OC. pic.twitter.com/qsldTmHeLo
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) March 24, 2025
“I have the utmost respect for Ken Whisenhunt and all he’s done in this business. Being in this position right now, we’re just trying to weather the storm. But we’re looking forward to the challenge. I’ve been coaching for over 30 years, primarily focusing on the offensive line. With my background in the Marine Corps, I enjoy team activities and team-building. I feel like I’m well-suited for this job, and we’re confident as we face a strong Michigan team.”
Turner’s main goal as head coach is to create the best environment for his players to succeed and potentially return to the NFL. He sees the UFL as a platform to help athletes showcase their talents.
“The most important thing in my position is to remember the purpose. My purpose has always been to help offensive linemen prepare for the NFL. Now, it’s about helping the whole team. My goal is to get this team back on track, especially after losing our leader. I want every player to be able to lay down at night before game day and say, ‘I’m not playing for the Green Bay Packers, I’m playing for the Memphis Showboats. So, what do I want to achieve?’ Their dream is to get back to the NFL, and I want to help them get there. I want to get every guy on the field, showcasing their skills. Not everyone will get equal playing time, but we’re making an effort to get everyone involved.”
For now, WR/TE coach T.J. Vernieri will take on the role of offensive play caller. The duties will be shared between Turner and Vernieri as they work to adapt to the system that Whisenhunt had been building.
“T.J. Vernieri is a young coach, and I’ll have a significant role in the play calling. We’ve put together a manageable game plan. Could we handle the same package Ken would have? No. Everything starts with what we can manage right now. If we overloaded the team with too much, it could backfire. When you step out onto the field, it’s different. Too much can weigh players down. So, when we call plays, T.J. will lead, and I’ll call alongside him.”
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