The United Football League announced on Wednesday that former Executive Vice President of Football Operations Daryl Johnston’s contract will not be renewed. The league released a statement on their X account.
“The United Football League has decided not to renew Daryl Johnston’s contract. We are grateful to Daryl for his passion, leadership, and unwavering dedication over the past four years.”
Daryl Johnston served as the league’s EVP of Football Operations for two seasons when the USFL and XFL merged to become the UFL. This move comes after the league is making sweeping changes to the front office. As reported by Pro Football Newsroom’s James Larsen, co-owner Mike Repole took over the business operations meant that Johnston was taking a backseat.
Since the changes, Johnston has not been mentioned in press releases, nor made any media appearances. Russ Brandon, who is the CEO and President of the UFL, will also take over the football operations under the new UFL structure.
Johnston is no stranger to spring football. In 2018, he became the General Manager of the San Antonio Commanders of the Alliance of American Football. After the league folded, he was named the Director of Player Personnel for the Dallas Renegades in 2019.
From there, he would work alongside Brian Woods (formerly The Spring League) to help relaunch the USFL in 2021 when Fox Sports decided to invest in spring football. Johnston served as the league’s Executive Vice President of Football Operations. After Woods stepped down as the league executive after the 2022 season, Johnston took over the role. Under his leadership, the USFL went from one hub city in 2022 to four the following year.
As a player, Johnston spent 11 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, winning three Super Bowls. He had 232 carries for 753 yards, eight rushing touchdowns, 294 catches for 2,227 yards, 14 touchdowns, and six fumble recoveries in 151 games. He was also elected to the NFL Pro Bowl twice.
He played college football at Syracuse (1985-88) with 356 carries for 1,756 yards, nine rushing touchdowns, 43 catches for 451 yards, one touchdown, two kick returns for 14 yards, and eight punt returns for 407 yards in 44 games for the Orange. He was named First Team All-Big East and All-American in 1988.
