Memphis plays Game 4 on its United Football League schedule when it takes on the Michigan Panthers on Friday night, and for the first time this season, the Showboats have an offensive coordinator listed on their coaching staff.

Former Auburn offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone has taken on that position after serving as Memphis’ quarterbacks coach.

On Wednesday, Ken Whisenhunt stepped down as the head coach for the Showboats, and offensive-line coach Jim Turner became the interim head coach.

This is the second time this season that Turner has held that title. Whisenhunt took a leave of absence that extended to Memphis’ first game before returning for the past two contests.

With Whisenhunt, a former NFL head coach and offensive coordinator, no longer in the picture for the Showboats, Turner turned to Mazzone for the offensive-coordinator role.

Mazzone has worked in spring football previously. In the first season of the USFL revival in 2022, Mazzone served as the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Breakers.

Mazzone was Auburn’s offensive coordinator from 1999 through 2001. Mazzone’s other SEC stops in his 45-year coaching career include two stints as offensive coordinator at Ole Miss and one at Texas A&M.

Mazzone will be calling the plays for Memphis when the Showboats take on Michigan at 7 p.m. CDT Friday at Ford Field in Detroit.

Memphis lost to the Panthers 26-12 in its season-opener on March 30. The Showboats also lost to the DC Defenders 17-12 on April 5 and the Houston Roughnecks 18-17 on April 12.

Three UFL teams have different head coaches than when they started training camp. Reggie Barlow left the Defenders to become the head coach at Tennessee State on March 23, one week before DC’s first game. On Wednesday, the UFL announced San Antonio Brahmas coach Wade Phillips had taken a leave of absence. Offensive coordinator Payton Pardee will work as the interim head coach.

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.